Feasibility study of high-intensity interval training to reduce cardiometabolic disease risks in individuals with acute spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Individuals ageing with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience an accelerated trajectory of diseases and disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, that resemble those experienced with ageing alone. Currently, an evidence-based approach toward managing this problem does not exist and therefore the purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a high-intensity exercise intervention in individuals with acute (<6 months postinjury) SCI to improve cardiometabolic health.

Methods And Analysis: We will conduct a single-centre, two parallel-arm, randomised feasibility study of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in individuals with acute SCI.