Effect of harness application and postural changes on cardiovascular parameters of individuals with spinal cord injury

Prospective assessment of cardiovascular parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in response to harness application and postural changes including orthostatic stress. To evaluate arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) with and without harness application during sitting, supine, and standing positions in able-bodied and SCI individuals. Measurements were obtained in all SCI research participants (n=11) before a locomotor training intervention and compared to data with able-bodied individuals (n=9). During standing, all research participants wore a harness and were suspended by an overhead, pneumatic body weight support system. Resting arterial blood pressure and HR in individuals with cervical SCI were significantly lower during sitting than in thoracic SCI and able-bodied individuals (P