Biochemical biomarkers are not dependent on physical exercise in patients with spinal cord injury

AIMS: This work presents an evaluation of the impact of physical exercise of the upper limbs in patients with muscular atrophy in the lower limbs by analysis of specific biomarkers. METHODOLOGY: It is a cross-sectional study. Patients were recruited using convenience sampling: control group (C: n = 12) and two groups of wheelchair users: non-athletes (NAth: n = 12) and athletes (Ath: n = 13, professional basketball players). Plasmatic biomarkers analyzed: fibrinogen, TBARS and NO. Comparisons were assessed by one-way ANOVA and Newman–Keuls Multiple Comparison post-hoc. RESULTS: Plasma fibrinogen values were not different between Ath (3.67 ± 0.44 g/L) and NAth (3.44 ± 0.38 g/L) groups. It was observed difference between fibrinogen levels from both wheelchair user groups (Ath and NAth) when comparing to control group (C: 2.27 ± 0.08 g/L) and standard values of fibrinogen (1.8 g/dL–3.1 g/dL). The TBARS values were not different between the wheelchair users Ath (3.21 ± 0.24 nmol/mL) and NAth (3.66 ± 0.27 nmol/mL). Independently of practicing physical activity, the TBARS values from both wheelchair users, Ath and Nath, were different when compared to the TBARS values from control group (C: 24.11 ± 1.75 nmol/mL). The plasma levels of NO were not different among the groups. CONCLUSION: Under SCI conditions, the upper body exercise practicing did not alter plasma levels of NO and ROS production neither rheological changes in viscosity indicated by blood clotting studies (fibrinogen levels).