Personalized exercise programs improve health-related quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injuries: an exploratory randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of personalized exercise programs on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people with spinal cord injury (SCIs).

Methods: Seventeen participants with SCIs (exercise group, n = 11; control group, n = 6) were enrolled in this single-blind, two-arm, pilot, randomized controlled trial. The exercise group participated in a 6-week supervised program, three times per week for 60 min per session. The program included aerobic and resistance exercises based on the level, comorbidities, and functional capacity of each participant. The exercise intensity and modality were adjusted weekly to ensure safety and progression. The HRQOL was measured at baseline and post-intervention using a short-form Health Survey-36.

Results: Participation in the six-week personalized exercise program significantly improved health-related quality of life in the exercise group compared to the control group. Notable improvements were observed in physical functioning (26.4 ± 21.8 to 40.9 ± 26.0, p < 0.05), bodily pain (63.0 ± 12.0 to 73.9 ± 10.4, p < 0.05), general health (48.2 ± 22.4 to 55.5 ± 15.7, p < 0.05), vitality (50.9 ± 18.3 to 60.0 ± 21.3, p < 0.05), role-emotional (57.6 ± 39.7 to 75.8 ± 42.4, p < 0.05), and mental health (65.8 ± 15.8 to 71.3 ± 18.8, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A six-week personalized exercise intervention incorporating individually prescribed aerobic and resistance training was associated with significant improvements in HRQOL among individuals with SCIs.