Neuromuscular disorders in women and men with spinal cord injury are associated with changes in muscle and tendon architecture.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the association between neuromuscular function, motor function impairment, and muscle and tendon structures in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to a control (non-disabled) population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with a control group. SETTING: Center of Adapted Sports Training and Special Physical Education. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen individuals with SCI and motor function impairments participated in the study. A paired non-disabled group was recruited for comparison. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle (biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior) and tendon (quadriceps and patellar tendons) structures were assessed by ultrasound imaging (thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and echogenicity). Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders were also assessed using electrodiagnosis techniques (stimulus non-responsivity and chronaxie) in the same muscles. RESULTS: Except for the biceps brachii muscle, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length were lower (p < 0.01) while echogenicity and chronaxie were greater (p < 0.01) in SCI participants. The SCI participants had a higher prevalence of neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders for all muscles, except the biceps brachii. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular disorders occur in association with muscle and tendon maladaptation in individuals with chronic SCI. A higher prevalence of electrophysiological disorders suggests an acquired polyneuromyopathy for muscles with motor function impairment even though the muscle was innerved, in addition to widespread muscle atrophy.

What is the exercise intensity of Pilates? An analysis of the energy expenditure, blood lactate, and intensity of apparatus and mat Pilates sessions.

BACKGROUND: Pilates is a form of exercise commonly used in rehabilitation settings that improves muscular fitness and flexibility. However, it is unknown whether the energy expenditure (EE) from Pilates sessions could also lead to the intensity suggested by health organizations to improve physical fitness. This study aimed to quantify and compare the intensity and the EE of two different Pilates sessions (mat and apparatus). METHODS: 18 healthy females (age: 22 ± 3 years; height: 1.6 ± 0.1m; body mass: 61.0 ± 10.0 kg; body mass index: 21 ± 3 kg/m2) performed two different sessions. Each session involved the performance of 15 exercises. Oxygen consumption (V˙O2) was measured continuously and then converted to EE in Kcal/min. Blood lactate, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were also measured. A repeated measures two-way ANOVA (time X group) determined differences between sessions. Bonferroni's post hoc analysis was used to identify significant differences between measures. RESULTS: The Reformer apparatus and Mat sessions presented an EE of 2.59 ± 0.53 and 1.93 ± 0.26 kcal/min, respectively. V˙O2 was higher for the Reformer session (8.67 ± 1.15 ml/kg/min) when compared to Mat (6.44 ± 0.73 ml/kg/min). There was no significant increase in blood lactate, HR, and BP for either session above resting values. CONCLUSION: The Pilates sessions analyzed in this study elicit low cardiovascular stress, leading to low EE levels. However, a typical session performed on the Reformer apparatus presented a higher EE, V˙O2, and HR compared to the Mat Pilates session.