Project: Full-On

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 individuals' 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 training program. The centres involved will be spinal units in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and New Zealand. Burwood Hospital is the New Zealand spinal unit participating in this trial.

Participation in the project involves undertaking an intensive exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks and attending for 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 New Zealand Multi Region Ethics Committee.

If you would like further information, or wish to participate in this project, please contact
the site coordinator:

Jo Nunnerley
Burwood Academy of Independent Living, Christchurch.
Telephone: (03) 3839487/ (03) 3776438 or 0211872651
Email: Jonunnerley@ResearchAndRehab.com