Effects of wheelchair propulsion on neuropathic pain and resting electroencephalography after spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effects of wheelchair propulsion on neuropathic pain and to examine resting electroencephalography pre- and post-wheelchair propulsion after spinal cord injury. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Eleven individuals with spinal cord injury and pain and 10 healthy controls. Methods: Single-session 15-min wheelchair propulsion and measurement of resting electroencephalography. Effects of wheelchair propulsion were investigated using numerical rating scale (NRS) for neuropathic pain and short-form Profile of Mood States-Brief for mood. Peak alpha frequency on electroencephalography was calculated in 4 regions of interest; frontal, central, parietal and occipital areas. These outcomes were compared between pre- and post-wheelchair propulsion. Results: Ten participants with spinal cord injury and all healthy controls completed the wheelchair propulsion exercise. NRS scores and negative mood were significantly improved following the wheelchair propulsion exercise. Pre-wheelchair propulsion, parietal and occipital peak alpha frequencies were significantly lower in the spinal cord injury group compared with the healthy controls group. Post-wheelchair propulsion, central peak alpha frequency increased in the spinal cord injury group. Conclusion: Wheelchair propulsion exercise temporarily decreased neuropathic pain intensity, improved negative mood, and modified alpha activity in spinal cord injury.