Effects of an Adaptive Exercise Program on Inflammation After Spinal Cord Injury
In brief
12 weeks of adaptive exercise lowered IL-6 59% more in spinal cord injury
In a randomized study of 24 people with spinal cord injury, a 12-week program of aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercise reduced IL-6 more than a delayed-start control group. Other inflammation markers and cardiovascular fitness did not improve, although strength did; larger, longer studies are needed to learn whether the IL-6 change lasts or affects health outcomes.
- Journal
- Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation (Q1)
- Published
- 28 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Amanda A Herrmann, Ella A Chrenka, Lap Pui Chung, Steven D Jackson, Samantha J Sherman, Samuel P Swanson, et al.
- PMID
- 42812632
- DOI
- 10.46292/sci25-00102
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Rehabilitation (top studies of the week, 4 October 2026): Adaptive exercise reduced IL-6 in SCI participants
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the leading causes of death in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). People with SCI tend to have higher inflammation levels than able-bodied individuals and are often physically inactive despite the anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether an adaptive exercise program could reduce inflammation in individuals with SCI. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals with SCI were randomized to either an immediate start (intervention) or delayed start (control) group. The 12-week intervention consisted of 1-hour exercise sessions, 3 times per week, including moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants (mean age 53), primarily White males, were enrolled. The intervention group demonstrated a 59% greater reduction in IL-6 compared to controls (P = .02), while other biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-1RA) showed no significant differences. Strength significantly improved in the intervention group; however, no changes were observed in cardiovascular fitness. CONCLUSION: While the results of the study are mixed, there is some evidence that adaptive exercise could reduce inflammation in individuals with SCI. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods could explore the maintenance of these effects and their influence on long-term clinical outcomes.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.