Training with electrical stimulation: effects on stability and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury
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https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.4.11873Abstract
This study is based on the importance of optimizing quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), given that such injuries comprehensively affect the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of an individual. The present study has two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate whether a strength training program incorporating neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to muscles capable of voluntary contraction enhances core stability in individuals with SCI, and (2) to compare differences in quality of life and core stability between an experimental group and a control group. Thirty participants with SCI were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). Quality of life was assessed using the GENCAT questionnaire, and core stability was measured with the modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT). The intervention consisted of a local NMES protocol administered over 12 weeks, with three 20-minute sessions per week. A paired Student’s t-test was used to analyze pre- and post-intervention outcomes. The results demonstrated significant improvements in core stability and several dimensions of quality of life in the experimental group. These findings suggest that NMES is a safe and effective method for enhancing core stability and quality of life in individuals with SCI, serving as a valuable complement to rehabilitation.
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