A clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada showed that practicing exercises according to programs tailored for individuals with spinal cord injuries may help reduce the intensity of chronic pain and improve some aspects of daily life.
Study Details and Target Group
The scientific website Medical Xpress reported on Sunday that the study, published in the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, included 46 adults suffering from spinal cord injuries and chronic pain of neurological or musculoskeletal origin.
Research Methodology and Comparison
The researchers divided the participants into two groups. One group underwent an individual program combining aerobic exercises and strength training, supported by certified fitness trainers and weekly follow-ups, while the other group continued their usual activities.
Positive Results and Variations
The results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity among participants in the exercise program after three and six months, according to a specific scale for pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries. However, the results based on the primary scale, which combines pain intensity and its impact on daily activities, did not provide conclusive evidence of a difference between the two groups.
After six months, eight out of 18 participants in the exercise group reported a reduction in pain intensity by 30 percent or more, compared to two participants out of 16 in the other group. Participants in the exercise group also reported a decrease in the impact of pain on daily activities and mood after three months, as well as an improved sense of vitality.
Medical Recommendations
The researchers noted that the response to exercises varied among participants; some experienced a significant reduction in pain, while others did not notice similar improvement. They emphasized that the results do not mean that exercises represent a comprehensive treatment, stressing the need for larger trials to confirm their effectiveness and determine the most suitable programs.
The study highlights the potential benefit of using exercise as a supportive option for managing chronic pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries, with the type and intensity of activity determined according to each patient's capabilities and needs, in coordination with doctors and rehabilitation specialists.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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