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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-02-2021 | Original Article

Serotonin 1A agonist and cardiopulmonary improvements with whole-body exercise in acute, high-level spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis

Authors: Isabelle Vivodtzev, Glen Picard, Kevin O’Connor, J. Andrew Taylor

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Purpose

High-level spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in spinal and supraspinal respiratory control deficits leading to insufficient ventilatory responses to exercise and training-related adaptations. We hypothesized a serotonin agonist, known to improve respiratory function in animal models, would improve adaptations to whole-body functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise training in patients with acute high-level SCI.

Methods

We identified 10 patients (< 2 years of injury with SCI from C4 to T3) in our program who had performed 6 months of FES-row training while on Buspirone (29 ± 17 mg/day) between 2012 and 2018. We also identified well-matched individuals who trained for six months but not on Buspirone (n = 11). A peak incremental FES-rowing exercise test and resting pulmonary function test had been performed before and after training.

Results

Those on Buspirone demonstrated greater increases in peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak: + 0.24 ± 0.23 vs. + 0.10 ± 0.13 L/min, p = 0.08) and peak ventilation (VEpeak: + 6.5 ± 8.1 vs. − 0.7 ± 6.9 L/min, p < 0.05) compared to control. In addition, changes in VO₂peak and VEpeak were correlated across all patients (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), but most strongly in those on Buspirone (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). Furthermore, changes in respiratory function correlated with increased peak tidal volume in the Buspirone group (r > 0.66, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest Buspirone improves cardiorespiratory adaptations to FES-exercise training in individuals with acute, high-level SCI. The strong association between increases in ventilatory and aerobic capacities suggests improved respiratory function is a mechanism; however, controlled studies are needed to determine if this preliminary finding is reproducible.

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Title: Serotonin 1A agonist and cardiopulmonary improvements with whole-body exercise in acute, high-level spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Isabelle Vivodtzev
Glen Picard
Kevin O’Connor
J. Andrew Taylor
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04536-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Serotonin 1A agonist and cardiopulmonary improvements with whole-body exercise in acute, high-level spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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