Influence of sport in the autonomic Dysreflexia of spinal cord injury pacients

• Grant number: 19/06944-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Alberto Cliquet Junior
• Grantee: Laura Bellintani de Freitas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/50253-0 - Biomechanical modelling and clinical assessment data gathering with technological innovations towards movement restoration and sports performance for people with disabilities, AP.TEM

Abstract

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) causes loss of motor, sensitive and autonomic functions below the injury level. The number of SCI cases has been increasing and the major cause is motor vehicle accidents. The social impact that SCI induce makes this study relevant. Physiological and physical adaptation, such as cardiovascular and high blood pressure caused by sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation, are observed in SCI individuals. Measure blood pressure and analyze retina's topography may help to understand alterations that occur in the sympathetic response of SCI individuals. The purpose of this work is to construe the pressure alterations in patients after they perform an adapted sport and photograph the retina of these individuals in order to obtain another parameter. The project is linked to international cooperation with Vrije University Amsterdam and Inholland University. It was based on Ambulatory of Spinal Cord Rehabilitation's articles and thesis located in HC UNICAMP, under the coordination of Titular Professor A. Cliquet Junior, and added research with 20 paralympic rugby players. It will be gauged blood pressure of these individuals before and after physical exercise, and the individuals' retina will be photographed for future analysis. (AU)