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Nakata T, Shibasaki M, Nishimura Y, Kinoshita T, Hashizaki T, Kamijo YI, Kouda K, Umemoto Y, Tajima F. Quantification of catecholamine neurotransmitters released from cutaneous vasoconstrictor nerve endings in men with cervical spinal cord injury. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R345-R352. [PMID: 36693170 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00063.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Control of cutaneous circulation is critically important to maintain thermoregulation, especially in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) who have no or less central thermoregulatory drive. However, the peripheral vasoconstrictor mechanism and capability have not been fully investigated after CSCI. Post- and presynaptic sensitivities of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor system were investigated in 8 CSCI and 7 sedentary able-bodied (AB) men using an intradermal microdialysis technique. Eight doses of norepinephrine (NE, 10-8 to 10-1 M) and five doses of tyramine (TY, 10-8, 10-5 to 10-2 M) were administered into the anterior right and left thigh, respectively. Endogenous catecholamines, noradrenaline, and dopamine, collected at the TY site, were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Regardless of vasoconstrictor agents, cutaneous vascular conductance decreased dose-dependently and responsiveness was similar between the groups (NE: Group P = 0.255, Dose P = 0.014; TY: Group P = 0.468, Dose P < 0.001), whereas the highest dose of each drug induced cutaneous vasodilation. Administration of TY promoted the release of noradrenaline and dopamine in both groups. Notably, the amount of noradrenaline released was similar between the groups (P = 0.819), although the concentration of dopamine was significantly greater in individuals with CSCI than in AB individuals (P = 0.004). These results suggest that both vasoconstrictor responsiveness and neural functions are maintained after CSCI, and dopamine in the skin is likely to induce cutaneous vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Nakata
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Yukihide Nishimura
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tokio Kinoshita
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.,Division of Rehabilitation, Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takamasa Hashizaki
- Division of Rehabilitation, Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yoshi-Ichiro Kamijo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ken Kouda
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yasunori Umemoto
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Tajima
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Sarafis ZK, Squair JW, Barak OF, Coombs GB, Soriano JE, Larkin-Kaiser KA, Lee AHX, Hansen A, Vodopic M, Romac R, Grant C, Charbonneau R, Mijacika T, Krassioukov AV, Ainslie PN, Dujic Z, Phillips AA. Common carotid artery responses to the cold-pressor test are impaired in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1311-H1322. [PMID: 36367686 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00261.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction that underlies the three- to fourfold elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in this population. Reduced common carotid artery (CCA) dilatory responsiveness during the cold-pressor test (CPT) is associated with greater cardiovascular disease risk and progression. The cardiovascular and CCA responses to the CPT may provide insight into cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with cervical SCI. Here, we used CPT to perturb the autonomic nervous system in 14 individuals with cervical SCI and 12 uninjured controls, while measuring cardiovascular responses and CCA diameter. The CCA diameter responses were 55% impaired in those with SCI compared with uninjured controls (P = 0.019). The CCA flow, velocity, and shear response to CPT were reduced in SCI by 100% (P < 0.001), 113% (P = 0.001), and 125% (P = 0.002), respectively. The association between mean arterial pressure and CCA dilation observed in uninjured individuals (r = 0.54, P = 0.004) was absent in the SCI group (r = 0.22, P = 0.217). Steady-state systolic blood pressure (P = 0.020), heart rate (P = 0.003), and cardiac contractility (P < 0.001) were reduced in those with cervical SCI, whereas total peripheral resistance was increased compared with uninjured controls (P = 0.042). Relative cerebral blood velocity responses to CPT were increased in the SCI group and reduced in controls (middle cerebral artery, P = 0.010; posterior cerebral artery, P = 0.026). The CCA and cardiovascular responsiveness to CPT are impaired in those with cervical SCI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study demonstrating that CCA responses during CPT are suppressed in SCI. Specifically, CCA diameter, flow, velocity, and shear rate were reduced. The relationship between changes in MAP and CCA dilatation in response to CPT was absent in individuals with SCI, despite similar cardiovascular activation between SCI and uninjured controls. These findings support the notion of elevated cardiovascular disease risk in SCI and that the cardiovascular responses to environmental stimuli are impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe K Sarafis
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan W Squair
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,RESTORE.network, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cardiac Sciences and Clinical Neurosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Otto F Barak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Geoff B Coombs
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jan Elaine Soriano
- RESTORE.network, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cardiac Sciences and Clinical Neurosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly A Larkin-Kaiser
- RESTORE.network, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cardiac Sciences and Clinical Neurosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda H X Lee
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Hansen
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maro Vodopic
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital, Dubrovnik, Croatia
| | - Rinaldo Romac
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
| | - Christopher Grant
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rebecca Charbonneau
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanja Mijacika
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zeljko Dujic
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Aaron A Phillips
- RESTORE.network, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cardiac Sciences and Clinical Neurosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Taylor AL, Perret D, Morice K, Zafonte R, Skelton F, Rivers E, Alexander M. Climate Change and Physiatry: A Call to Proportional and Prospective Action. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 101:988-993. [PMID: 35363629 PMCID: PMC9993426 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Through increased temperature-related illness, exposure to wildfire smoke and air pollutants, and more frequent and intense natural disasters, climate change is disproportionately affecting the health of people with disabilities. Although the evidence behind the health effects of climate change is growing, there remain critical research gaps in the physiatric literature that must be addressed. Increased education throughout the medical-education continuum is also needed to prepare physiatrists to address the climate-related health effects impacting their patient populations. Physiatrists and their member organizations should advocate for policies that address climate change with a focus on the unique needs of their patient population and the inclusion of people with disabilities in the policy making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Lowe Taylor
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St Peter's Health, Helena, Montana (ALT); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Irvine, Orange, California (DP); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (KM); Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding, Boston, Massachusetts (RZ); Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas (FS); H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (FS); Tennessee Valley HealthCare System, Veterans Health Administration, Nashville, Tennessee (ER); and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama (MA)
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The Efficacy of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion and Posterior Total Laminectomy on Cervical Spinal Cord Injury and Quality of Life. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8216339. [PMID: 36213573 PMCID: PMC9536979 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8216339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the efficacy of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and posterior total laminectomy in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury and assessing the impact of the two approaches on cervical spine function and patient quality of life. Retrospectively analyze the clinical data from 180 patients with cervical spinal cord injury who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from June 2019 to June 2021. The patients were divided into an anterior approach group (n = 89, treated with anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion) and a posterior approach group (n = 91, treated with posterior total laminectomy). The amount of blood loss in the posterior approach group was larger compared to the anterior approach group. Patients in the posterior approach group had higher wound diameters and operation times compared to the anterior approach group, as well as the operation cost. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of patients in the posterior approach group were significantly higher than in the anterior approach group one month after operation. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), neck disability index (NDI), and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores of patients in both groups at 1, 6, and 9 months after surgery were higher compared to those before surgery, yet no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Also, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of complication and the quality of life between the two groups before and after treatment. Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and posterior total laminectomy can effectively restore the cervical nerve function in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury. However, anterior subtotal vertebral resection is associated with improved perioperative indicators compared to posterior total laminectomy. Clinically, surgical methods can be selected according to imaging findings, the general condition of patients, and individual economic status.
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Bauermann A, Costa e Silva ADA, Figueiredo F, Koury JC. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and body composition in cervical spinal cord injury: A pilot study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:935128. [PMID: 35978958 PMCID: PMC9376375 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.935128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Body composition assessment in cervical spinal cord injury (c-SCI) individuals is important to monitor the fat free-mass (FFM) loss, due to immobilization, or gain, due to exercise practice. Single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SF-BIA) is low in cost, simple and easy. Objectives The aims of this study are: to evaluate the concordance between the FFM values obtained using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the three SF-BIA previous predictive equations; and to test the applicability of the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Methods Twenty-three c-SCI males were divided into two groups: Physically active (PA; n = 13; at least 150 min/week) and non-active individuals (NPA) and were assessed by DXA and SF-BIA simultaneously. Results FFM values were similar between groups PA and NPA. Considering all participants, FFM values obtained by Kocina and Heyward (>11%) and Sun (<15.4%) predictive equations were different when compared to DXA (p < 0.01). However, Buchholz's et al. predictive equation showed FFM values similar to DXA, but presented poor concordance (<7%, p = 0.99; concordance coefficient = 0.85). BIVA showed consistency in ellipse distribution using FFM obtained using Buchholz et al. predictive equation. Conclusions The use of non-specific BIA equations can lead to misinterpretation in FFM values in male c-SCI individuals. Predictive equations for this group need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Bauermann
- Graduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Brazilian Paralympic Academy, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anselmo de Athayde Costa e Silva
- Graduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Brazilian Paralympic Academy, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Josely Correa Koury
- Nutrition Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Supplementation and Performance for Wheelchair Athletes: A Systematic Review. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2022; 39:268-282. [PMID: 34758458 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2020-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to identify nutritional interventions and supplements that improve the performance for wheelchair athletes. Intervention trials involving high-performance wheelchair athletes were analyzed, including those that comprised a nutritional intervention, defined as any intervention related to food, beverages, and supplementation aiming at evaluating the performance of wheelchair athletes. Of the included studies, four evaluated caffeine supplementation, of which one also evaluated sodium citrate supplementation; two studies evaluated vitamin D supplementation; one study assessed creatine monohydrate supplementation; and one assessed carbohydrate supplementation. Most studies were conducted on athletes with spinal cord injury. Athletes who consumed caffeine exhibited an improvement in performance, but this finding is not strong enough to become a recommendation.
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7
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Li QP, Li J, Pan HY. Effects of Online Home Nursing Care Model Application on Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1703-1709. [PMID: 33935524 PMCID: PMC8079355 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s301874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to explore the effects of an online home nursing care model application on patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). Methods Eighty patients with TSCI discharged from the hospital between January 2015 and January 2018 were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the observation group (n = 40, each). The patients in the control group were given routine discharge guidance, while the patients in the observation group were given online home nursing care. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (MOS SF-36), and complication-incidence rate were used to evaluate the efficiency of the online home nursing care model. Results There were no differences in the ODI and MOS SF-36 scores between the two groups at discharge. However, the ODI and MOS SF-36 scores in the observation group showed significant improvement compared with the control group (p < 0.05) during the most recent follow-up. The incidence of complications, such as constipation, joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, foot drop, and pressure sores, were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The online home nursing care model can reduce complication incidence, alleviate dysfunction, and improve the quality of life of patients with TSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Ping Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Ying Pan
- Department of Nursing, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, People's Republic of China
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Zhao MC, Yang K, Yang BH, Guo S, Wang YP, Zhang XW, Li HP. Prognosis of C4 dislocation with spinal cord injury following psychological intervention. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211004520. [PMID: 33823641 PMCID: PMC8033484 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211004520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of psychological intervention on the prognosis of patients with C4 dislocation and spinal cord injury. METHODS We investigated target patients admitted between 2010 and 2018. Patients' mental state, quality of life and neurological function at different time points were evaluated to examine the relationship between psychological intervention and recovery and prognosis of acute and critical spinal cord injury. RESULTS All patients showed improvements in clinical symptoms, neurological function and quality of life. Psychological intervention significantly improved Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale score and SF-36 Mental Component Summary score within 3 months. Japanese Orthopaedic Association neurological function score and SF-36 Physical Component Summary score were significantly improved after 1-year follow-up. Psychological intervention did not improve 2-year survival. CONCLUSION Timely and professional psychological intervention can eliminate the psychological disorders of C4 dislocation patients with spinal cord injury. This has a positive effect on their quality of life and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chao Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bao-Hui Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ya-Ping Wang
- Department of Psychology and Psychiatry, Second Affiliated
Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hao-Peng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Animal Models of Cerebral Changes Secondary to Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg 2020; 145:244-250. [PMID: 32980567 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are difficult to treat. The first animal SCI model (featuring the dropping of a weight) was established by Allen in 1911, and other animal models have been developed since then. Most animal studies have focused only on the molecular features of SCIs, which remain disputed. Recently, it has become clear that SCI may trigger mental and cognitive disorders, however, and brain changes secondary to SCI are under investigation. No consensus on an optimal animal model for cerebral research has emerged. We discuss the appropriate SCI models for studying secondary brain changes.
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Mneimneh F, Moussalem C, Ghaddar N, Ghali K, Omeis I. Experimental study on the effectiveness of the PCM cooling vest in persons with paraplegia of varying levels. J Therm Biol 2020; 91:102634. [PMID: 32716876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Persons with paraplegia (PA) from thoracic spinal cord injury (T1-T12) are prone to thermal stress during exercise due to impaired thermoregulation. This study evaluates the effectiveness of phase change material (PCM) cooling vests on persons with PA of different levels of injury during exercise in hot exposure. Sixteen participants were recruited and divided to three groups based on injury level; high-thoracic T1-T3, mid-thoracic T4-T8, and low thoracic T9-T12 to perform a 30-min arm-crank exercise at a 30 °C room condition. Two types of PCM vests at melting temperature of 20 °C were tested: i) V1 with PCM covering the trunk of 3.4 kg overall vest mass and ii) V2 with PCM covering chest and upper back of 2.17 kg overall vest mass. High thoracic and low-thoracic groups performed NV and V1 tests; whereas, mid-thoracic group performed NV, V1, and V2 tests. Heart rate, core, and skin temperatures were monitored during 15-min preconditioning, 30-min exercise, and 15-min recovery. In addition, thermal comfort, sensation, skin wettedness, and perceived exertion were recorded during exercise only. The main findings were that the effectiveness of the cooling vest was dependent on injury level and portion of sensate skin of trunk covered by the PCM packets. Rise in core temperature (ΔTcr) was reduced significantly for the low-thoracic group during exercise and recovery (ΔTcr=0.41°C, 0.26°C for NV and V1; respectively, p<0.05). For the mid-thoracic group, both V1 (p = 0.001) and V2 (p = 0.008) were effective in reducing ΔTcr compared to the NV test at the end of the recovery period (0.74°C,0.42°C,0.56°C, for NV, V1 and V2; respectively). For the high-thoracic group, V1 was not effective in reducing core temperature (p>0.05). For the mid-thoracic group, V2 at 36% lower mass significantly improved thermal comfort (p = 0.0004) compared to the NV test and was as effective compared to V1 in reducing core temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Mneimneh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Moussalem
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nesreen Ghaddar
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Kamel Ghali
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Omeis
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
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