The effects of active upper-limb versus passive lower-limb exercise on quality of life among individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury

Study design Multi-centre randomized clinical trial. Objectives (1) compare the effects of arm-cycle ergometry (ACET) and body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on quality of life (QOL) and intermediary variables in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); (2) examine correlations between baseline measures, and changes in physical activity, QOL, and intermediaries. Setting Hospital-based research institutes (Vancouver, Toronto) and University-based exercise program (Hamilton). Methods 35 participants with motor-complete SCI above T6 completed baseline assessments of physical activity, life satisfaction, independence, autonomy, positive and negative affect, and pain. Twenty-eight participants were randomized to 72 sessions of ACET ( n = 14) or BWSTT ( n = 14) with measures repeated following 36 sessions, 72 sessions, and 6-months post-intervention. Results Neither intervention significantly impacted QOL. Pain was reduced in ACET compared to BWSTT (interaction effect p = 0.022) and was significantly less at 72 sessions vs. baseline in the ACET group ( p = 0.009). At baseline, QOL was positively correlated with independence, autonomy, and positive affect and negatively correlated with negative affect (all p 0.64, p