Cardiovascular health and exercise rehabilitation in spinal cord injury

Abstract

There appears to be an increased prevalence and earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Physical inactivity is thought to be a key factor in the increased risk for CVD. Physical inactivity is highly prevalent in persons with SCI, and it appears that activities of daily living are not sufficient to maintain cardiovascular fitness and health. This systematic review examines the current literature regarding the risk for CVD and the effectiveness of varied exercise rehabilitation programs in attenuating the risk for CVD in SCI. © 2007 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.