Impact of Physical Exercise on Controlling Secondary Conditions Associated with Spinal Cord Injury

&NA; The incidence of spinal cord injury in the United States especially in the young population (16‐30 years of age) continues to increase. In addition, early postinjury medical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation programs are increasing the long‐term survival of these individuals. Although the occurrence of some secondary complications has been reduced, other long‐term complications and age‐related disorders are becoming more common in the spinal cord injured population. This paper includes a review of the mechanisms of common secondary conditions, discussion of the impact of activity level on the occurrence of co‐morbidities, and a review of research on the effect of exercise training on various physiological and neurogenic variables. Based on the review of the existing literature and research, recommendations for basic exercise prescription in the spinal cord injured population are proposed in order to reduce the potential of debilitating secondary conditions and/or potentially life‐threatening disorders.