Austin Health is currently searching for people with SCI to participate in the SCIPA (Spinal Cord Injury + Physical Activity) Full-On Project which examines the effects of exercise on recovery, health and well-being after spinal cord injury.
Regular physical activity through upper body training is effective in improving fitness and psychological well-being in people with spinal cord injury. However there are now reports that regular and intensive activity-based therapies promote neurological improvement. These therapies include partial body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), functional electrical stimulation-assisted leg exercise, and exercises to improve control of trunk and lower limb musculature. There is some evidence that these interventions may improve an individual’s ability to move and perform functional activities, however this has not been rigorously tested in a randomised controlled trial.
Full-On is a randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of a comprehensive exercise program exercising the paralysed limbs and upper body musculature with an upper body strength and fitness program. The centres involved will be spinal units in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and New Zealand. Austin Health is the Melbourne spinal unit participating in this trial.
Participation in the project involves undertaking an intensive exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks and attending assessments. Participants must be 18 years of age or over, have completed their primary rehabilitation, and will need to have medical clearance to participate.
This study has been approved by the Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee. If you would like further information, or wish to participate in the project, please contact
Ms Janette Alexander – Victorian Spinal Cord Service
03 9490 7285 or Janette.Alexander@austin.org.au
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