Spinal cord injury (SCI) is debilitating to an individual's health, functional capacity and quality of life. This contributes to a sedentary lifestyle and an elevated risk for cardiometabolic and hypokinetic diseases. While physical activity is promoted in persons with SCI to reduce incidence of secondary disabling conditions, a majority of individuals are inactive and have low levels of fitness. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise characterized by brief, intermittent bouts of intense exercise, separated by periods of lower intensity exercise for recovery. The level of improvements in aerobic exercise capacity following HIIT are similar to moderate-intensity continuous training, but only require a fraction of the total energy and time commitment. Little research has been done on HIIT in persons with SCI, who are unable to carry out conventional lower limb HIIT exercises. An upper extremity form of HIIT that is effective, safe, and quick could be an attractive option for these individuals. The study will look at feasibility and acceptability of a 6-week HIIT program for persons with a spinal cord injury who are untrained. Investigators will test 10 untrained individuals with SCI/D who use a manual wheelchair full time. Prior to any testing, participants will be screened and will need to obtain a signed medical release from their physician. The screening involves asking the participant the inclusion/exclusion criteria and administering two short questionnaires related to physical activity. After obtaining the release form, participants will be scheduled for their first visit. During Visit 1, baseline testing and questionnaires will be completed. The study questionnaires will address sociodemographics, pain and health measures, general health, and physical activity. Exercise testing includes an aerobic exercise stress test (conducted following American College of Sports Medicine guidelines using an electronic ergometer) and an anaerobic (maximum power output) test. After Visit 1, participants will exercise three times per week for six weeks, following a standard HIIT protocol. Two of those sessions will be supervised by a trainer, and one session will be completed on their own. After six weeks, participants will be scheduled for Visit 2 and will complete the same evaluations as Visit 1. Additionally, participants will complete evaluations on their level of satisfaction of the training program and their likelihood to continue.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
HIIT Times
Timeframe: To be recorded weekly, throughout study completion (3x/week for 6 weeks)
Power
Timeframe: Baseline and 6 weeks
Cardiopulmonary Measures
Timeframe: Baseline and 6 weeks
Cardiopulmonary Measures
Timeframe: Recorded during each training session (3x/week for 6 weeks)
Enjoyment of HIIT
Timeframe: 6 weeks
Acceptability of HIIT
Timeframe: 6 weeks
Percentage of Participants Completing All Supervised Training Sessions
Timeframe: To be recorded throughout study completion (6 weeks)