1. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Allgrove JE, Chapman M, Christides T, Smith PM. Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(6):925–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105JSP Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study Judith E. Allgrove, PhD; Mark Chapman, MSc; Tatiana Christides, MD; Paul M. Smith, PhD

2. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Allgrove JE, Chapman M, Christides T, Smith PM. Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(6):925–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105JSP Aim – Examine and quantify acute effect of 1 h, self-paced handcycling time trial on mucosal immunity, concentration of circulating leukocytes, and stress hormone responses. Relevance – Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often have recurrent respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin infections. – In nondisabled individuals, intense exercise can negatively affect immune function, while moderate exercise may enhance immunity.

3. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Allgrove JE, Chapman M, Christides T, Smith PM. Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(6):925–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105JSP Methods 9 male paraplegic athletes performed 1 h of handcycling exercise on standard 400 m track. – Heart rate (HR) was measured continuously during exercise. – Retrospective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained immediately after. – Venous blood and saliva samples were collected immediately before and after exercise and 1 h after exercise.

4. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Allgrove JE, Chapman M, Christides T, Smith PM. Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(6):925–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105JSP Results Athletes completed mean 22.4 km cycling at HR 165 beats/min, RPE 15, and blood lactate 7.9 mmol/L. After exercise: – Total leukocytes increased 72%. – Neutrophils increased 74%. – Lymphocytes increased 53%. – Natural killer cells increased 175% (returned to near baseline 1 h postexercise). – Alpha-amylase activity increased (returned to baseline 1 h postexercise). – No significant change in saliva flow rate, salivary immuno- globulin A, or cortisol.

5. This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows: Allgrove JE, Chapman M, Christides T, Smith PM. Immunoendocrine responses of male spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hour self-paced exercise: Pilot study. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(6):925–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105 Slideshow Project DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0105JSP Conclusions These data confirm that 1 h of handcycling exercise elevated circulating leukocytes but minimally affected mucosal immunity. These changes appear associated with alpha amylase rather than cortisol. Results suggest that handcycling can temporarily enhance certain immune indices in individuals with SCI.