Aerobic cardiovascular fitness is comparatively low for individuals with SCI, approximately 25% of otherwise healthy young individuals with SCI fail to achieve oxygen consumption levels sufficient to perform essential activities of daily living (ADLs). Glucose metabolism, cytokine levels, HDL concentration, and self-esteem magnitude can be modified through increased physical activity including arm cycle ergometry, functional electrical stimulation, robotically assisted treadmill training, and aquatic exercise. However, controversy exists regarding the frequency and intensity required to achieve these beneficial effects. Clinically it is vital for optimal client health to assess baseline and post intervention cardiovascular levels. This presentation will increase understanding of cardiovascular fitness assessment and intervention for individuals with spinal cord injury as well as other chronic neuromuscular conditions. Pragmatic case examples demonstrate the systemic health issues linked to cardiovascular fitness, intervention concepts, and assessment possibilities (clinical and research). Our ultimate goal is to increase practitioner awareness and advocacy for annual cardiovascular assessment and intervention for all individuals living with chronic neuromuscular conditions.


Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

Knowledge
List systemic issues associated with decreased cardiovascular fitness for individuals with spinal cord injury (and other neuromuscular chronic conditions).
Comprehension
Calculate the metabolic equivalent units for a given activity for a person with spinal cord injury.
Application/Analyses
Select aquatic environment conditions as well as supportive and resistance equipment needed for a given client case.
4.Describes cardiovascular conditioning for the client in #3, insuring adequate dosage and client safety.
Evaluation
Select assessment tool to measure the cardiovascular conditioning for the given client in learner’s facility.
Action
Identify skills, equipment, education/training needed to implement cardiovascular conditioning and assessment at each learner’s facility.
Attitude
Offer 2-3 concepts to adopt and promote in the learner’s facility, community, and practice arena to advance a health and wellness model for all individuals with chronic neuromuscular conditions.

Note: CEU not applicable in AK, AR, CA,  LA, NJ, NM, NV, OH, TX