Obesity after spinal cord injury

A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of weight management interventions for people with spinal cord injury

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at greater risk of developing obesity and related co-morbidities than those without SCI. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the effectiveness of weight management interventions for people with SCI and to synthesize the experiences of people involved with SCI weight management (e.g., SCI healthcare professionals and caregivers). Five databases were searched (up to July 31, 2023) and 5,491 potentially eligible articles were identified. Following screening, 22 articles were included, comprising 562 adults. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and weight loss interventions included behavioral nutritional and exercise education sessions, recalling food diaries, exercise interventions, and pharmaceuticals. The mean percentage change of the pooled body mass data equated to -4.0 ± 2.3%, with a range from -0.5 to -7.6%. In addition, 38% of the individuals with SCI who completed a weight loss intervention (N = 262) had a ≥5% reduction in body weight. Collectively, although on average the included interventions led to moderate weight loss, the finding that just over a third of individuals achieved clinically meaningful 5% weight loss suggests that available interventions for this population may need to be improved.

Baseline health-related self-efficacy for individuals following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury prior to enrollment in a weight-loss intervention

PURPOSE

To examine health-related self-efficacy for individuals following acquired brain or spinal cord injury prior to enrollment in a weight-loss intervention and associations with demographics, injury characteristics, and additional physiologic variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data for community-dwelling adults following stroke (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or spinal cord injury (SCI) across three disability-adapted weight-loss interventions.

RESULTS

Overall results suggest a significant difference between injury type and self-efficacy as measured by the Self Rated Abilities for Health Practices (SRAHP) scale. On average, individuals with SCI had the lowest overall perceived self-efficacy of the three groups (11.2-unit difference; (CI: -17.4, -5.0), followed by those with TBI (9.5-unit difference; (CI: -16.7, -2.4). There were also differences between groups in age, number of household members, time since injury, sex, race, marital status, physiological measures, and employment status.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that individuals with different disabilities following neurological injuries have different baseline perceptions in their ability to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Health interventions should be tailored for these groups based on disability-specific barriers and should include components to enhance health-related self-efficacy to address weight management among these populations.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONEvidence suggests that health-related self-efficacy may differ following different injury types and level of disability may impact one's ability to maintain health-related behaviorsResults suggest that individuals with a spinal cord injury may have different baseline perceptions of self-efficacy related to their ability to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly compared to those with a traumatic brain injury or stroke.Health interventions should be tailored to encompass disability-specific barriers which may impact an individual's health-related self-efficacy.

System failure: Systemic inflammation following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States, and while some effects of the injury are broadly recognized (deficits to locomotion, fine motor control, and quality of life), the systemic consequences of SCI are less well-known. The spinal cord regulates systemic immunological and visceral functions; this control is often disrupted by the injury, resulting in viscera including the gut, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and kidneys experiencing local tissue inflammation and physiological dysfunction. The extent of pathology depends on the injury level, severity, and time post-injury. In this review, we describe immunological and metabolic consequences of SCI across several organs. Since infection and metabolic disorders are primary reasons for reduced lifespan after SCI, it is imperative that research continues to focus on these deleterious aspects of SCI to improve life span and quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Why may patients with spinal cord injury be overlooked for obesity screening in the Veterans Health Administration? Qualitative research of the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers

PURPOSE

We sought to describe factors influencing reduced rates of obesity screening for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States Veterans Health Administration (VA) and to foster potential solutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers and patients with SCI who were recruited nationally from diverse VAs. We performed rapid qualitative analysis using content analysis of interview data.

RESULTS

There were 36 providers and 37 patients. We identified provider, patient, and system level barriers to obesity screening for individuals with SCI. Overarching barriers involved provider and patient perceptions that obesity screening is a low priority compared to other health conditions, and body mass index is of low utility. Other obesity screening barriers were related to measuring weight (i.e., insufficient equipment, unknown wheelchair weight, staffing shortages, measurement errors, reduced access to annual screening, insufficient time, patient preference not to be weighed) and measuring height (i.e., insufficient guidance and equipment to this population, measurement errors).

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers to obesity screenings exist for patients with SCI receiving care in VA. Healthcare provider and patient interviews suggest possible solutions, including standardizing height and weight measurement processes, ensuring equipment availability in clinics, clarifying guidelines, and offering support to providers and patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndividuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have higher rates of obesity, but are often overlooked for annual obesity screening, even in clinic settings designed to care for individuals with SCI.Results may help tailor guidelines/education for healthcare and rehabilitation providers offering them guidance for improving obesity screening for individuals with SCI by standardizing weight and height measurement and documentation. To facilitate this, findings highlight the need for resources, such as ensuring clinics have necessary equipment, and increasing patient access to support and equipment.Improving the provision of obesity screening for individuals with SCI is necessary to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction with care.

Trends in measuring BMR and RMR after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review

Studying factors that contribute to our understanding of maintaining normal energy balance are of paramount significance following spinal cord injury (SCI). Accurate determination of energy needs is crucial for providing nutritional guidance and managing the increasing prevalence of malnutrition or obesity after SCI. BMR represents 75-80 % of the total energy expenditure in persons with SCI. Accurately measuring BMR is an important component for calculating total energetic needs in this population. Indirect calorimetry is considered the gold-standard technique for measuring BMR. However, technical challenges may limit its applications in large cohort studies and alternatively rely on prediction equations. Previous work has shown that BMR changes in response to disuse and exercise in the range of 15-120 %. Factors including sex, level of injury and type of assistive devices may influence BMR after SCI. RMR is erroneously used interchangeably for BMR, which may result in overestimation of energetic intake when developing nutritional plans. To address this concern, we comprehensively reviewed studies that conducted BMR (n=15) and RMR (n=22) in persons with SCI. The results indicated that RMR is 9 % greater than BMR in persons with SCI. Furthermore, the SCI-specific prediction equations that incorporated measures of fat-free mass appeared to accurately predict BMR. Overall, the current findings highlighted the significance of measuring BMR as well as encouraging the research and clinical community to effectively establish countermeasures to combat obesity after SCI.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Cardiometabolic Health and Function for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment: A Study Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly accelerates morbidity and mortality, partly due to the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), including neurogenic obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. While exercise and dietary interventions have shown some transient benefits in reducing CMD risk, they often fail to improve clinically relevant disease markers and cardiovascular events. Moreover, SCI also places caregiving demands on their caregivers, who themselves experience health and functional decline. This underscores the need for more substantial interventions that incorporate appropriate physical activity, heart-healthy nutrition, and behavioral support tailored to the SCI population.

OBJECTIVES

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol will (1) assess the health and functional effects, user acceptance, and satisfaction of a 6-month comprehensive therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for individuals with chronic SCI and (2) examine the impact of a complementary caregiver program on the health and function of SCI caregivers and evaluate user acceptance and satisfaction. Caregivers (linked with their partners) will be randomized to 'behavioral support' or 'control condition'.

METHODS

Dyadic couples comprise individuals with SCI (18-65 years, >1-year post-injury, ASIA Impairment Scale A-C, injury levels C5-L1) and non-disabled SCI caregivers (18-65 years). Both groups undergo lock-step circuit resistance training, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, and 16 educational sessions focused on diet/exercise goals, self-monitoring, psychological and social challenges, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. The outcome measures encompass the cardiometabolic risks, cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory stress, multidimensional function, pain, life quality, independence, self-efficacy, program acceptance, and life satisfaction for SCI participants. The caregiver outcomes include multidimensional function, pain, quality of life, independence, and perceived caregiver burden.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluates the effects and durability of a structured, multi-modal intervention on health and function. The results and intervention material will be disseminated to professionals and consumers for broader implementation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered 2 August 2016.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Visceral Adipose Tissue Thickness among Lean and Non-Lean People with and without Spinal Cord Injury

After spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple adaptations occur that influence metabolic health and life quality. Prolonged sitting and inactivity predispose people with SCI to body composition changes, such as increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness, which is often associated with impaired glucose tolerance. Our goal is to understand whether VAT is an index of leanness, and, secondarily, whether mobility methods influence glucose tolerance for people living with SCI. A total of 15 people with SCI and 20 people without SCI had fasting oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and VAT thickness (leanness) measured during a single session. Glucose was 51% and 67% greater for individuals with SCI relative to those without SCI after 60 and 120 min of an OGTT (p < 0.001). Glucose area under the curve (AUC) was 28%, 34%, and 60% higher for non-lean people with SCI than lean people with SCI and non-lean and lean people without SCI, respectively (p = 0.05, p = 0.009, p < 0.001). VAT was associated with glucose AUC (R2 = 0.23, p = 0.004). Taken together, these findings suggest that leanness, as estimated from VAT, may be an important consideration when developing rehabilitation programs to influence metabolism among people with SCI.

Optimization of Protocols Using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Paralyzed Lower-Limb Muscles to Increase Energy Expenditure in People With Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for paralyzed lower-limb muscles results in an increase in energy expenditure and whether the number of activated muscles and duty cycle affect the potential increase.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Energy expenditure during all NMES protocols was significantly higher than the condition without NMES (1.2 ± 0.2 kcal/min), with the highest increase (+51%; +0.7 kcal/min, 95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.2) for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. A significant decrease in muscle contraction size during NMES was found with a longer stimulation time, more muscles activated, or the duty cycle with a shorter rest period.

CONCLUSION

Using NMES for paralyzed lower-limb muscles can significantly increase energy expenditure compared with sitting without NMES, with the highest increase for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. Muscle fatigue occurred significantly with the more intense NMES protocols, which might cause a lower energy expenditure in a longer protocol. Future studies should further optimize the NMES parameters and investigate the long-term effects of NMES on weight management in people with SCI.

A comparison of meal-related appetite, food reward and eating behaviour traits in people with and without spinal cord injury

Persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a heightened risk of obesity. However, little is known about the effect of SCI on factors that influence energy intake. This study compared measures of food reward, eating behaviour traits, and appetite perceptions between adults with and without SCI. Twenty wheelchair dependent persons with chronic (>1 year) SCI (C1-T12) and twenty non-SCI individuals matched for BMI, age and sex participated. Following a familiarisation visit, participants consumed a breakfast meal, normalised for resting metabolic rate (RMR), and provided subjective appetite perceptions every 30 min for 4 h. Subsequently, energy intake was determined via an ad libitum lunch meal. Explicit liking, explicit wanting, implicit wanting and relative preference were assessed in a hungry and fed state via the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire prior to and following the lunch meal. Eating behaviour traits were assessed via the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, Control of Eating Questionnaire, Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire, and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 18-item version. Sweet appeal bias was greater for explicit liking, explicit wanting, and relative preference in the group with SCI compared to the non-SCI group (p ≤ 0.024). The group with SCI also reported higher levels of cognitive restraint and satiety responsiveness (p ≤ 0.029). No group differences in postprandial appetite perceptions (p ≥ 0.690) or energy intake relative to RMR were seen (p = 0.358). However, the group with SCI demonstrated a trend toward a lower absolute energy intake (p = 0.063). In conclusion, food reward for sweet foods was greater in the group with SCI. Further, our findings suggest that acute appetite perceptions, including satiety profiles, are not different between persons with and without SCI.

Prevalence of Sarcopenic Obesity and Factors Influencing Body Composition in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in Japan

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and factors influencing body composition in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Japan. Adults with SCI aged ≥ 20 years who underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Data from 97 patients were examined. The primary outcome was appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors influencing the lean and adipose indices in persons with SCI. Sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were prevalent in 76%, 85%, and 64% of patients, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that sex (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), lesion level (β = 0.25, p = 0.007), severity (β = 0.20, p = 0.043), and ability to walk (β = 0.29, p = 0.006) were independently associated with ASM. Sex (β = −0.63, p < 0.001) was independently associated with percent body fat. In conclusion, sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were prevalent among patients with SCI in Japan. Female sex, tetraplegia, motor-complete injury, and inability to walk were risk factors for sarcopenia, whereas female sex was a risk factor for obesity in persons with SCI. A routine monitoring of body composition is necessary, especially among those with multiple risk factors, to identify individuals in need of preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Nutrition Education to Reduce Metabolic Dysfunction for Spinal Cord Injury: A Module-Based Nutrition Education Guide for Healthcare Providers and Consumers

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a high prevalence of neurogenic obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The increased risk for neurogenic obesity and metabolic dysfunction is mainly due to the loss of energy balance because of significantly reduced energy expenditure following SCI. Consequently, excessive energy intake (positive energy balance) leads to adipose tissue accumulation at a rapid rate, resulting in neurogenic obesity, systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature on nutrition, dietary intake, and nutrition education in persons with SCI as it relates to metabolic dysfunction. The review will highlight the poor dietary intakes of persons with SCI according to authoritative guidelines and the need for nutrition education for health care professionals and consumers. Nutrition education topics are presented in a module-based format with supporting literature. The authors emphasize the role of a diet consisting of low-energy, nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans' MyPlate to effectively achieve energy balance and reduce the risk for neurogenic obesity and metabolic dysfunction in individuals with SCI.

Body composition and metabolic parameters in men with chronic traumatic paraplegia - A pilot study from India

OBJECTIVE

To study body composition, measures of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in Indian men with paraplegia as compared to age and body mass index (BMI) matched able-bodied men.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Endocrinology.

PARTICIPANTS

Males aged 18-45 years with chronic traumatic paraplegia versus age and BMI-matched able-bodied men.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of body composition such as total body fat, lean mass, regional adiposity using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), metabolic profile and insulin resistance.

RESULTS

Subjects with paraplegia (n = 43), compared to controls (n = 36), had higher %Fat mass (FM) (25.5 (21.2-28.9) vs 20.2 (15.9-22.2); P < 0.01), lower trunk to leg ratio (0.66 (0.51-0.73) vs 0.87 (0.72-0.94); P < 0.01), lower lean mass index (14.38 (2.57) vs 17.80 (2.34); P < 0.01) and lower appendicular lean mass index (5.81 ± 1.26 vs 8.17 ± 1.12; P < 0.01). Fasting blood glucose (mg/dl) was higher (89.0(81.5-96.5) vs 80.0 (74.5-88.2); P < 0.01), Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was higher (1.33 (1.03-2.12) vs 0.94 (0.52-1.78); P = 0.02), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was lower (0.36 ± 0.04 vs 0.38 ± 0.05; P = 0.02) and HDL-C was lower (33.00 (30.00-42.75) vs 38.50 (33.00-43.25); P < 0.02) in cases compared to controls. QUICKI correlated positively with HDL-C and negatively with %FM, estimated VAT volume and TG. Trunk to leg ratio correlated positively with TG even after controlling for %FM.

CONCLUSION

Men with chronic paraplegia had lower lean mass, higher total and regional fat mass, increased insulin resistance and low HDL-C when compared with BMI-matched able-bodied controls. Both total and regional adiposity correlated with poor metabolic profile.

Testosterone and long pulse width stimulation (TLPS) for denervated muscles after spinal cord injury: a study protocol of randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Long pulse width stimulation (LPWS; 120-150 ms) has the potential to stimulate denervated muscles and to restore muscle size in denervated people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We will determine if testosterone treatment (TT)+LPWS would increase skeletal muscle size, leg lean mass and improve overall metabolic health in persons with SCI with denervation. We hypothesise that the 1-year TT+LPWS will upregulate protein synthesis pathways, downregulate protein degradation pathways and increase overall mitochondrial health.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Twenty-four male participants (aged 18-70 years with chronic SCI) with denervation of both knee extensor muscles and tolerance to the LPWS paradigm will be randomised into either TT+neuromuscular electrical stimulation via telehealth or TT+LPWS. The training sessions will be twice weekly for 1 year. Measurements will be conducted 1 week prior training (baseline; week 0), 6 months following training (postintervention 1) and 1 week after the end of 1 year of training (postintervention 2). Measurements will include body composition assessment using anthropometry, dual X-ray absorptiometry and MRI to measure size of different muscle groups. Metabolic profile will include measuring of basal metabolic rate, followed by blood drawn to measure fasting biomarkers similar to hemoglobin A1c, lipid panels, C reactive protein, interleukin-6 and free fatty acids and then intravenous glucose tolerance test to test for insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness. Finally, muscle biopsy will be captured to measure protein expression and intracellular signalling; and mitochondrial electron transport chain function. The participants will fill out 3 days dietary record to monitor their energy intake on a weekly basis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by Institutional Review Board of the McGuire Research Institute (ID # 02189). Dissemination plans will include the Veteran Health Administration and its practitioners, the national SCI/D services office, the general healthcare community and the veteran population, as well as the entire SCI community via submitting quarterly letters or peer-review articles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03345576.

Energy expenditure and nutrient intake after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review and practical recommendations

Many persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have one or more preventable chronic diseases related to excessive energetic intake and poor eating patterns. Appropriate nutrient consumption relative to need becomes a concern despite authoritative dietary recommendations from around the world. These recommendations were developed for the non-disabled population and do not account for the injury-induced changes in body composition, hypometabolic rate, hormonal dysregulation and nutrition status after SCI. Because evidence-based dietary reference intake values for SCI do not exist, ensuring appropriate consumption of macronutrient and micronutrients for their energy requirements becomes a challenge. In this compressive review, we briefly evaluate aspects of energy balance and appetite control relative to SCI. We report on the evidence regarding energy expenditure, nutrient intake and their relationship after SCI. We compare these data with several established nutritional guidelines from American Heart Association, Australian Dietary Guidelines, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Institute of Medicine Dietary Reference Intake, Public Health England Government Dietary Recommendations, WHO Healthy Diet and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Clinical Practice Guidelines. We also provide practical assessment and nutritional recommendations to facilitate a healthy dietary pattern after SCI. Because of a lack of strong SCI research, there are currently limited dietary recommendations outside of the PVA guidelines that capture the unique nutrient needs after SCI. Future multicentre clinical trials are needed to develop comprehensive, evidence-based dietary reference values specific for persons with SCI across the care continuum that rely on accurate, individual assessment of energy need.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and body composition in cervical spinal cord injury: A pilot study

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.

The interaction of macronutrients and body composition among individuals with chronic spinal cord injury

Changes in body composition and dietary intake occur following spinal cord injury (SCI). The Geometric Framework for Nutrition (GFN) is a tool that allows the examination of the complex relationships between multiple nutrition factors and health parameters within a single model. This study aimed to utilize the GFN to examine the associations between self-reported macronutrient intakes and body composition in persons with chronic SCI. Forty-eight individuals with chronic SCI were recruited. Participants completed and returned 3- or 5-day self-reported dietary recall sheets. Dietary intake of macronutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) were analysed. Anthropometric measures (circumferences), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to assess whlole-body composition. Associations between all circumference measures and carbohydrates were observed. Among MRI measures, only significant associations between subcutaneous adipose tissue and protein x carbohydrate as well as carbohydrates alone were identified. Carbohydrates were negatively associated with several measures of fat mass as measured by DXA. Overall, carbohydrates appear to play an important role in body composition among individuals with SCI. Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with lower fat mass. Additional research is needed to determine how carbohydrate intake influences body composition and cardiometabolic health after SCI.

Exploring the vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex for therapeutic benefit in chronic spinal cord injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe features and implications of chronic systemic inflammation in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to summarize the growing therapeutic possibilities to explore the vagus nerve-mediated inflammatory reflex in this context.

RECENT FINDINGS

The discovery of the inflammatory reflex provides a rationale to explore neuromodulation modalities, that is, electrical vagus nerve stimulation and pharmacological cholinergic modalities to regulate inflammation after SCI.

SUMMARY

Inflammation in individuals with SCI may negatively impact functional recovery and medical consequences after SCI. Exploring the potential of the vagus nerve-based inflammatory reflex to restore autonomic regulation and control inflammation may provide a novel approach for functional improvement in SCI.

Evaluation of the Cardiometabolic Disorders after Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

Changes in cardiometabolic functions contribute to increased morbidity and mortality after chronic spinal cord injury. Despite many advancements in discovering SCI-induced pathologies, the cardiometabolic risks and divergences in severity-related responses have yet to be elucidated. Here, we examined the effects of SCI severity on functional recovery and cardiometabolic functions following moderate (50 kdyn) and severe (75 kdyn) contusions in the thoracic-8 (T8) vertebrae in mice using imaging, morphometric, and molecular analyses. Both severities reduced hindlimbs motor functions, body weight (g), and total body fat (%) at all-time points up to 20 weeks post-injury (PI), while only severe SCI reduced the total body lean (%). Severe SCI increased liver echogenicity starting from 12 weeks PI, with an increase in liver fibrosis in both moderate and severe SCI. Severe SCI mice showed a significant reduction in left ventricular internal diameters and LV volume at 20 weeks PI, associated with increased LV ejection fraction as well as cardiac fibrosis. These cardiometabolic dysfunctions were accompanied by changes in the inflammation profile, varying with the severity of the injury, but not in the lipid profile nor cardiac or hepatic tyrosine hydroxylase innervation changes, suggesting that systemic inflammation may be involved in these SCI-induced health complications.

A national survey of physical activity after spinal cord injury

Physical activity is a powerful modifiable risk factor for disease and mortality. Physical activity levels in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been quantified relative to uninjured individuals in a large population-based sample. We aimed to quantify and compare physical activity in people with and without SCI, and to examine the associations between physical activity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. The 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (n > 57,000) was used, which includes three measures that assess physical activity levels (i.e., leisure time activity frequency, leisure time activity intensity, and transportation time activity intensity). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. The odds of physical activity in people with SCI were 0.43 (95% CI 0.3–0.61), 0.53 (95% CI 0.36–0.75), and 0.42 (95% CI 0.28–0.61), across the three measures of physical activity, respectively. These differences persisted after adjustment for lifestyle, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Physical activity is reduced in the SCI population compared with the general population. This knowledge is important to direct future research and guide the allocation of health care resources.

Rates, Variability, and Predictors of Screening for Obesity: Are Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Being Overlooked?

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are vulnerable to obesity. Annual obesity screening using body mass index (BMI) is the standard of care mandated by US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidelines. Our objective was to determine the rates, variability, and predictors of guideline-concordant annual screening for obesity, given potential challenges of height and weight measurements in individuals with SCI.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study using US national VA databases. We identified all VHA patients with chronic SCI in the fiscal year (FY) 2019, their treating facility and frequency of recorded height and weight. We applied mixed-effects logistic regression models to assess associations between annual BMI screening and patient- and facility-level characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 20,978 individuals with chronic SCI in VHA in FY19, guideline-concordant annual BMI screening was lacking in 37.9%. Accounting for facility-level factors (geographic region, SCI facility type, volume of patients with SCI treated at the facility), a mixed-effects logistic regression model demonstrated that lack of annual obesity screening was significantly associated with older patient age (p < 0.001) and fewer outpatient encounters (p < 0.001) but not other patient-level factors such as sex, race, level of injury, or rurality. The rate of obesity screening among different facilities within VHA varied widely from 11.1% to 75.7%.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of persons with SCI receiving care in VHA do not receive guideline-concordant annual obesity screening, an especially acute problem in some facilities. Older patients with fewer outpatient encounters are more likely to be missed. To inform the design of interventions to improve identification and documentation of obesity, further study is needed to assess potential barriers to obesity screening in the population with SCI.

"It Helps Me With Everything": A Qualitative Study of the Importance of Exercise for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Background

The influence of exercise after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a topic important to both clinicians and researchers. The impact of exercise for individuals with SCI is often studied quantitively, with a large focus on the physiological adaptations to exercise intervention.

Objectives

This study explores individualized experiences of exercise for people with SCI.

Methods

A phenomenological approach was utilized to qualitatively study the experiences of exercise for 16 individuals with SCI.

Results

Participants described multiple benefits of exercise, including increased independence, improved mental health, and increased engagement in social activity.

Conclusion

This study provides novel information about attitudes toward exercise held by individuals with SCI and a more thorough understanding of concepts that are well researched.

Multimorbidity of overweight and obesity alongside anxiety and depressive disorders in individuals with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of anxiety/depression and overweight/obesity (Aim 1) and the multimorbidity of these conditions (Aim 2) in a sample of adults with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Aim 3 was to examine whether overweight/obese individuals with SCI differ on the prevalence of anxiety/depressive disorders compared to non-overweight/obese individuals with SCI.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals ≥16 years old who had patient encounters between January 1, 2011, and February 28, 2018. In total, 761 598 individuals were included, of which 3136 had SCI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Individuals were identified as diagnosed with SCI, anxiety and/or depressive disorders, and overweight/obesity using the International Classification of Diseases.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression. In contrast to non-SCI individuals, those with SCI had increased odds of anxiety disorders (OR: 3.58, 95% CI [3.29-3.90]), depressive disorders (OR: 4.33, 95% CI [3.95-4.74]), and overweight/obesity (OR: 3.08, 95% CI [2.80-3.38]). Pertaining to multimorbidity, individuals with SCI had increased odds of having overweight/obesity alongside anxiety disorders (OR: 4.30, 95% CI [3.71-4.98]) and overweight/obesity alongside depressive disorders (OR: 4.69, 95% CI [4.01-5.47]) compared to those without SCI. Individuals with SCI who were diagnosed as overweight/obese had increased odds of having anxiety disorders (OR: 2.54, 95% CI [2.06-3.13]), and depressive disorders (OR: 2.70, 95% CI [2.18-3.36]), relative to non-overweight/obese individuals with SCI.

CONCLUSIONS

This work is among the first to find evidence that individuals with SCI are at heightened odds of overweight/obesity alongside anxiety and/or depressive disorders. This early work holds clinical implications for treating these interrelated comorbidities in SCI.

Changes in body composition during and after inpatient rehabilitation in people with recent spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate changes in body composition parameters in people with recent spinal cord injury (SCI) during their first inpatient rehabilitation and up to 1 year after discharge and whether those potential changes over time varied between different personal and lesion characteristics groups.

SETTING

Rehabilitation center, the Netherlands.

METHODS

People with recent SCI (≥18 years; n = 53) were tested around admission (T0) and discharge (T1) of inpatient rehabilitation. A sub-group (n = 19) was measured 1 year after discharge (T2). Personal and lesion characteristics were registered at T0. Anthropometry (height, body mass, body mass index, and waist circumference) was performed at T0, T1, and T2. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was measured at T0 and T1.

RESULTS

During inpatient rehabilitation, no significant changes in all body composition parameters were found. During the first year after discharge, body mass index (26.8 kg/m²) significantly increased compared with the level at both admission (25.4 kg/m²; p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.32-2.52) and discharge (25.1 kg/m²; p = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.26-3.00). People with paraplegia showed an increase in absolute waist circumference (6.5%) compared with people with tetraplegia who showed a net decrease (-5.5%) in the year after discharge (p = 0.047, 95% CI: 0.27-33.62).

CONCLUSIONS

A stable body composition during inpatient rehabilitation is followed by an increased BMI in the year after discharge in people with recent SCI. People with paraplegia showed an increase in absolute waist circumference compared with people with tetraplegia who showed a net decrease in the year after discharge.

Nutritional interventions for spinal cord injury: preclinical efficacy and molecular mechanisms

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that leads to motor, sensory, and autonomic impairments. Its intrinsic pathophysiological complexity has hindered the establishment of effective treatments for decades. Nutritional interventions (NIs) for SCI have been proposed as a route to circumvent some of the problems associated with this condition. Results obtained in animal models point to a more holistic effect, rather than to specific modulation, of several relevant SCI pathophysiological processes. Indeed, published data have shown NI improves energetic imbalance, oxidative damage, and inflammation, which are promoters of improved proteostasis and neurotrophic signaling, leading ultimately to neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. This review focuses on the most well-documented Nis. The mechanistic implications and their translational potential for SCI are discussed.

Handgrip Strength Cutoff Points for Functional Independence and Wheelchair Ability in Men With Spinal Cord Injury

Objectives

To determine optimal handgrip strength (HGS) cutoff points for greater functional independence and wheelchair skills in men with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to establish predictive equations for functional independence and wheelchair ability in men with SCI, based on demographic characteristics, HGS, and functionality.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study conducted at a rehabilitation hospital, 54 men with SCI were recruited and stratified into high and low paraplegia groups. All participants performed a maximum HGS test to determine cutoff points for the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-III) and Adapted Manual Wheelchair Circuit (AMWC). The primary outcomes were the SCIM-III, AMWC, and HGS. Demographic characteristics obtained from participants' electronic medical records were the secondary outcomes, used as predictor variables of functional independence.

Results

The SCIM-III scale, performance score, and 3-minute overground wheeling test presented significant regression equations (R = 0.45, R = 0.69, and R = 0.72). The HGS showed a cutoff point of 102.5 kilogram force (kgf) to achieve a score of 70 on the SCIM-III and a 3-minute overground wheeling distance of 270 m. The HGS cutoff point to obtain a performance score of 23.7 seconds was 93.0 kgf.

Conclusion

The HGS was a significant predictor for the SCIM-III score, AMWC performance score, and 3-minute overground wheeling test. Three significant predictive equations were established based on HGS. The cutoff points could be adopted as parameters for optimal functional independence and wheelchair skills.

Accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness in the assessment of body composition in people with chronic spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

This study: (1) investigated the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness relative to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the assessment of body composition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), and whether sex and lesion characteristics affect the accuracy, (2) developed new prediction equations to estimate fat free mass (FFM) and percentage fat mass (FM%) in a general SCI population using BIA and skinfolds outcomes.

SETTING

University, the Netherlands.

METHODS

Fifty participants with SCI (19 females; median time since injury: 15 years) were tested by DXA, single-frequency BIA (SF-BIA), segmental multi-frequency BIA (segmental MF-BIA), and anthropometry (height, body mass, calf circumference, and skinfold thickness) during a visit. Personal and lesion characteristics were registered.

RESULTS

Compared to DXA, SF-BIA showed the smallest mean difference in estimating FM%, but with large limits of agreement (mean difference = -2.2%; limits of agreement: -12.8 to 8.3%). BIA and skinfold thickness tended to show a better estimation of FM% in females, participants with tetraplegia, or with motor incomplete injury. New equations for predicting FFM and FM% were developed with good explained variances (FFM: R² = 0.94; FM%: R² = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

None of the measurement techniques accurately estimated FM% because of the wide individual variation and, therefore, should be used with caution. The accuracy of the techniques differed in different subgroups. The newly developed equations for predicting FFM and FM% should be cross-validated in future studies.

Electrically induced cycling and nutritional counseling for counteracting obesity after spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the preliminary efficacy of interval functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling combined with nutritional counseling in obese adults with SCI.Setting: Community-based individuals with chronic SCI.Participants: Ten participants with chronic SCI.Interventions: Participants were divided into 2 groups (1) FES cycling and nutritional counseling (FES & Nutri) and (2) nutritional counseling only (Nutri Only). The FES & Nutri group performed high intensity interval FES cycling for 30 min 3 times per week for 8 weeks and received nutritional counseling for 30 min once per week for 8 weeks. The Nutri Only group received the nutritional counseling only.Outcome Measures: Body composition (fat mass, lean mass, body fat percentage), blood glucose levels.Results: Participants in the FES & Nutri group had a statistically significant greater decrease in body fat percentage (M = -1.14) compared to those in the Nutri Only group (M = +0.28) and gained more lean mass in their legs (M = +0.66 kg) compared to the Nutri Only group (M = -1.05 kg).Discussion/Conclusion: The statistically significant decrease in body fat percentage for the FES & Nutri group provides evidence that further study is merited. Future studies should include larger numbers of participants and the possible introduction of a preliminary strengthening program before initiating interval FES cycling. In addition, an increase in exercise volume and a greater role for nutritional counseling should be considered in order to optimize the treatment for obesity.

Metabolic Dysfunction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder leading to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and death. Significant advances in antisense oligonucleotide treatment and gene therapy have made it possible for SMA patients to benefit from improvements in many aspects of the once devastating natural history of the disease. How the depletion of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, the product of the gene implicated in the disease, leads to the consequent pathogenic changes remains unresolved. Over the past few years, evidence toward a potential contribution of gastrointestinal, metabolic, and endocrine defects to disease phenotype has surfaced. These findings ranged from disrupted body composition, gastrointestinal tract, fatty acid, glucose, amino acid, and hormonal regulation. Together, these changes could have a meaningful clinical impact on disease traits. However, it is currently unclear whether these findings are secondary to widespread denervation or unique to the SMA phenotype. This review provides an in-depth account of metabolism-related research available to date, with a discussion of unique features compared to other motor neuron and related disorders.

Assessment of body composition in spinal cord injury: A scoping review

The objective of this scoping review was to map the evidence on measurement properties of body composition tools to assess whole-body and regional fat and fat-free mass in adults with SCI, and to identify research gaps in order to set future research priorities. Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were searched up to April 2020. Included studies employed assessments related to whole-body or regional fat and/or fat-free mass and provided data to quantify measurement properties that involved adults with SCI. All searches and data extractions were conducted by two independent reviewers. The scoping review was designed and conducted together with an expert panel (n = 8) that represented research, clinical, nutritional and lived SCI experience. The panel collaboratively determined the scope and design of the review and interpreted its findings. Additionally, the expert panel reached out to their professional networks to gain further stakeholder feedback via interactive practitioner surveys and workshops with people with SCI. The research gaps identified by the review, together with discussions among the expert panel including consideration of the survey and workshop feedback, informed the formulation of future research priorities. A total of 42 eligible articles were identified (1,011 males and 143 females). The only tool supported by studies showing both acceptable test-retest reliability and convergent validity was whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The survey/workshop participants considered the measurement burden of DXA acceptable as long as it was reliable, valid and would do no harm (e.g. radiation, skin damage). Practitioners considered cost and accessibility of DXA major barriers in applied settings. The survey/workshop participants expressed a preference towards simple tools if they could be confident in their reliability and validity. This review suggests that future research should prioritize reliability and validity studies on: (1) DXA as a surrogate 'gold standard' tool to assess whole-body composition, regional fat and fat-free mass; and (2) skinfold thickness and waist circumference as practical low-cost tools to assess regional fat mass in persons with SCI, and (3) females to explore potential sex differences of body composition assessment tools. Registration review protocol: CRD42018090187 (PROSPERO).

Role of exercise on visceral adiposity after spinal cord injury: a cardiometabolic risk factor

PURPOSE

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic disease risk in able-bodied (AB) populations. However, the underlying mechanisms of VAT-induced disease risk are unknown in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Potential mechanisms of VAT-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction in persons with SCI include systemic inflammation, liver adiposity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and anabolic deficiency. Moreover, how exercise interventions impact these mechanisms associated with VAT-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction are still being explored.

METHODS

A search for relevant scientific literature about the effects of exercise on VAT and cardiometabolic health was conducted on the PubMed database. Literature from reference lists was also included when appropriate.

RESULTS

Both aerobic and resistance exercise training beneficially impact health and VAT mass via improving mitochondrial function, glucose effectiveness, and inflammatory signaling in SCI and AB populations. Specifically, aerobic exercise appears to also modulate cellular senescence in AB populations and animal models, while resistance exercise seems to augment anabolic signaling in persons with SCI.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence supports regular engagement in exercise to reduce VAT mass and the adverse effects on cardiometabolic health in persons with SCI. Future research is needed to further elucidate the precise mechanisms by which VAT negatively impacts health following SCI. This will likely facilitate the development of rehabilitation protocols that target VAT reduction in persons with SCI.

Neurogenic Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

The population with SCI is at a significant risk for both insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) secondary to neurogenic obesity. The prevalence of insulin resistance and T2DM in persons with SCI suggests that disorders of carbohydrate metabolism are at epidemic proportions within the population. However, the true frequency of such disorders may be underestimated because biomarkers of insulin resistance and T2DM used from the population without SCI remain nonspecific and may in fact fail to identify true cases that would benefit from intervention. Furthermore, diet and exercise have been used to help mitigate neurogenic obesity, but results on disorders of carbohydrate metabolism remain inconsistent, likely because of the various ways carbohydrate metabolism is assessed. The objective of this article is to review current literature on the prevalence and likely mechanisms driving insulin resistance and T2DM in persons with SCI. This article also explores the various assessments and diagnostic criteria used for insulin resistance and T2DM and briefly discusses the effects of exercise and/or diet to mitigate disorders of carbohydrate metabolism brought on by neurogenic obesity.

Relationship Between Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Neurogenic Obesity in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) substantially increases the risk of neurogenic obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Much like in the general population, a discussion of these syndromes in SCI would be incomplete without acknowledging the association of SCI with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). This article will outline the interplay between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), discussing the pathophysiology of obesity in OSA both for the general population and SCI population. The role of insulin resistance in SDB and SCI will also be examined. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of OSA and central sleep apnea in SCI are discussed through an examination of current evidence, followed by a review of central sleep apnea in SCI. Principles of diagnosis and management of SDB will also be discussed. Because sleep deprivation in itself can be a risk factor for developing obesity, the significance of comorbid insomnia in SCI is explored. Ultimately, a thorough sleep history, testing, and treatment are key to improving the sleep of individuals with SCI and to potentially reducing the impact of neurogenic obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Upper Extremity Overuse Injuries and Obesity After Spinal Cord Injury

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk for developing neurogenic obesity due to muscle paralysis and obligatory sarcopenia, sympathetic blunting, anabolic deficiency, and blunted satiety. Persons with SCI are also at high risk for shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries, including neuromusculoskeletal pathologies and nociceptive pain, as human upper extremities are poorly designed to facilitate chronic weight-bearing activities, including manual wheelchair propulsion, transfers, self-care, and day-to-day activities. This article reviews current literature on the relationship between obesity and increased body weight with upper extremity overuse injuries, detailing pathology at the shoulders, elbows, and wrists that elicit pain and functional decline and stressing the importance of weight management to preserve function.

A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Diet and Nutrition After Spinal Cord Injury

Physiological changes that occur after spinal cord injury (SCI) are profound and affect almost every organ system in the human body. Energy balance is significantly altered due to motor paralysis, spasticity or flaccidity, neurogenic sarcopenia, neurogenic osteopenia, sympathetic nervous system disruption, and blunted anabolism. Energy expenditure is markedly reduced, whereas hypothalamic control of appetite and satiety is diminished, resulting in discordant energy intake. Ultimately, neurogenic obesity ensues as the result of a positive energy balance. Even though nutritional guidelines for persons with SCI have been available since 2009, the necessity for body composition assessment and total daily energy expenditure was insufficiently addressed such that most individuals with SCI continued in positive energy balance despite "adherence" to the guidelines. Macronutrients must be carefully assessed to optimize caloric intake, while micronutrient consumption may need to be supplemented in order to meet recommended daily allowances. Such a diet would emphasize foods with low caloric yet high nutrient density. This article reviews current literature regarding nutritional requirements for SCI and provides a straightforward plan for implementing more rigorous dietary interventions meant to address the obesity crisis in this especially vulnerable population.

Recovery Off-Kinetics Following Exhaustive Upper Body Exercise in Spinal Cord Injury

Background

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) present with impaired autonomic control when the lesion is above T6. This could lead to delayed cardiorespiratory recovery following vigorous physical activity.

Objectives

To characterize and compare gas exchange off-kinetics following exhaustive exercise in individuals with SCI and an apparently healthy control group.

Methods

Participants were 19 individuals with SCI who presented with the inability to voluntarily lift their legs against gravity (age, 44.6 ± 14.2 years; AIS A, n = 5; AIS B, n = 7; AIS C, n = 7; paraplegia, n = 14; tetraplegia, n = 5) and 10 healthy comparisons (COM; age, 30.5 ± 5.3 years). All participants performed an arm ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise test (aCPET) to volitional exhaustion followed by a 10-minute passive recovery. O₂ uptake (V̇o₂ ) and CO₂ output (V̇co₂ ) off-kinetics was examined using a mono-exponential model in which tau off (τ_off ) and mean response time (MRT) were determined. The off-kinetics transition constant (Kt_off ) was calculated as ΔV̇o₂ /MRT. Student t tests were used to compare SCI versus COM group means.

Results

COM had a significantly higher relative peak V̇o₂ compared to SCI (1.70 ± 0.55 L/min vs 1.19 ± 0.51 L/min, p = .019). No difference was observed for τ_off between the groups, however Kt_off for both V̇o₂ and V̇co₂ was significantly lower in the SCI compared to the COM group.

Conclusion

A reduced Kt_off during recovery may suggest inefficiencies in replenishing muscle ATP stores and lactate clearance in these participants with SCI. These findings may contribute to the observed lower cardiorespiratory fitness and greater fatigability typically reported in individuals with SCI.

Energy Expenditure Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Delicate Balance

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), neurogenic obesity results from changes in body composition, physical impairment, and endometabolic physiology and when dietary intake exceeds energy expenditure. Given the postinjury reductions in lean body mass, sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, and anabolic deficiencies, energy balance is no longer in balance, and thereby an obesogenic environment is created that instigates cardiometabolic dysfunction. Accurate determination of metabolic rate can prevent excess caloric intake while promoting positive body habitus and mitigating obesity-related comorbidities. Metabolic rate as determined by indirect calorimetry (IC) has not been adopted in routine clinical care for persons with SCI despite several studies indicating its importance. This article reviews current literature on measured and predicted metabolic rate and energy expenditure after SCI and stresses the importance of IC as standard of care for persons with SCI.

Interrelationship of Neurogenic Obesity and Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

The prevalence of obesity and of neuropathic pain are both estimated at above 50% in the population of people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). These secondary consequences of SCI have significant negative impact on physical functioning, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Investigations of relationships between weight or body composition and chronic neuropathic pain in people with SCI are lacking, but investigations in non-SCI cohorts suggest an association between obesity and the presence and severity of neuropathic pain conditions. In the present article, we present a review of the literature linking obesity and neuropathic pain and summarize findings suggesting that metabolic syndrome and chronic, systemic inflammation due to excess adiposity increase the risk for neuropathic pain after an SCI.

Barriers and Facilitators to Lifestyle Intervention Engagement and Weight Loss in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury

Background: Individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high prevalence of obesity and unique barriers to healthy lifestyle. Objective: To examine barriers and facilitators to engagement and weight loss among SCI participants enrolled in the Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for individuals with Impaired Mobility (GLB-AIM), a 12-month intensive lifestyle intervention. Methods: SCI participants (N = 31) enrolled in a wait-list, randomized controlled trial where all participants received intervention between August 2015 and February 2017. Analyses of pooled data occurred in 2020 to examine cross-sectional and prospective associations of hypothesized barriers and facilitators with (1) intervention engagement, comprised of attendance and self-monitoring, and (2) percent weight change from baseline to 12 months. We performed multivariable linear regression on variables associated with outcomes at p < .05 in bivariate analyses and controlled for intervention group. Results: Participants were middle-aged (mean age, 48.26 ± 11.01 years), equally male (50%) and female, White (80.7%), and unemployed (65.6%). In participants who completed baseline surveys (n = 30), dietary self-efficacy explained 26% of variance in engagement (p < .01); among the 12-month study completers (n = 22, 71.0%), relationship issues explained 23% of variance in engagement (p < .01). Money problems, health issues unrelated to SCI, lack of motivation, and experimental group explained 57% of variance in weight loss (p for model < .01), with lack of motivation uniquely explaining 24% of variance (p < .01). Conclusion: Improving engagement and weight loss for persons with SCI in the GLBAIM program may be achieved by addressing lack of motivation, relationship issues, and nutrition self-efficacy.

Effect of Gait Training Program with Mechanical Exoskeleton on Body Composition of Paraplegics

Purpose

To identify the effect of a 52-weeks gait training program with an exoskeletal body-powered gait orthosis on the body composition of paraplegics.

Patients and Methods

Ten subjects with spinal cord injury at the thoracolumbar spine level for more than 2 years participated and were divided into exercise (n=5) and nonexercise (n=5) groups. A gait training program comprising stages 1–6 with customized exoskeletal body-powered gait orthosis was conducted for 52-weeks. A six-stage gait training program was conducted to manage the body composition and prevent obesity, and the changes in the body composition before and after the program were determined through bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

No significant changes in weight, fat-free mass (kg), lean body mass (kg), and percent fat mass (%) are seen in the exercise group before and after the 52-weeks program. However, fat-free mass (pre = 47.3± 6.5, post = 44.3 ± 5.4, kg), lean body mass (pre = 45.2 ± 6.3, post = 42.3±5.2, kg), and percent fat mass (pre = 30.1 ± 12.1, post = 40.9 ± 9.1, kg) show significant changes (p < 0.05) in the nonexercise group. In the nonexercise group, among lean body mass changes over 52-weeks in the upper limbs (−31%), trunks (−9.7%), and lower limbs (−8.6%), upper limbs exhibit the most significant decrease (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The gait training program with exoskeletal body-powered gait orthosis has a positive effect on fat management in the whole body and lean body mass loss in paraplegics. Furthermore, it is effective in preventing continuous muscle loss and in maintaining health by reducing body fat. Body composition measurements with bioelectrical impedance analysis for paraplegics can be applied in various clinical areas and can be combined with various arbitration methods such as rehabilitation program.

Spinal cord injury and gut microbiota: A review

After spinal cord injury (SCI), intestinal dysfunction has a serious impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and social participation. Recent data from rodent and human studies indicated that SCI causes gut dysbiosis. Remodeling gut microbiota could be beneficial for the recovery of intestinal function and motor function after SCI. However, few studies have explored SCI with focus on the gut microbiota and "microbiota-gut-brain" axis. In this review, the complications following SCI, including intestinal dysfunction, anxiety and depression, metabolic disorders, and neuropathic pain, are directly or indirectly related to gut dysbiosis, which may be mediated by "gut-brain" interactions. Furthermore, we discuss the research strategies that can be beneficial in this regard, including germ-free animals, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, phages, and brain imaging techniques. The current microbial research has shifted from descriptive to mechanismal perspective, and future research using new technologies may further demonstrate the pathophysiological mechanism of association of SCI with gut microbiota, elucidate the mode of interaction of gut microbiota and hosts, and help develop personalized microbiota-targeted therapies and drugs based on microbiota or corresponding metabolites.

Methodological considerations for near-infrared spectroscopy to assess mitochondrial capacity after spinal cord injury

Background: Skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity is reduced by ∼ 50-60% after SCI, resulting in impaired energy expenditure, glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. Near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool that can be used to assess mitochondrial capacity. Objectives: (1) Highlight methodological limitations impacting data acquisition and analysis such as subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness, movement artifacts, inadequate muscle stimulation, light interference, and ischemic discomfort. (2) Provide technical considerations to improve data acquisition and analysis. This may serve as guidance to other researchers and clinicians using NIRS. Study Design: cross-sectional observational design. Settings: Clinical research medical center. Participants: Sixteen men with 1 > year post motor complete SCI. Methods: NIRS signals were obtained from right vastus lateralis muscle utilizing a portable system. Signals were fit to a mono-exponential curve. Outcome Measures: Rate constant and r² values for the fit curve, indirectly measures mitochondrial capacity. Results: Only four participants produced data with accepted rate constants of 0.002-0.013 s^-1 and r² of 0.71-0.87. Applications of studentized residuals ≥2.5 resulted in sparing data from another four participants with rate constants of 0.010-0.018 s^-1and r² values ranging from 0.86-0.99. Conclusions: Several limitations may challenge the use of NIRS to assess mitochondrial capacity after SCI. Acknowledging these limitations and applying additional data processing techniques may overcome the discussed limitations and facilitate data sparing.

Weight management for adults with mobility related disabilities: Rationale and design for an 18-month randomized trial

Adults with mobility related disabilities (MRDs) represent an underserved group with a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and limited options for weight management. We previously demonstrated clinically meaningful 12-month weight loss in adults with MRDs (-6.2%, 36% ≥5% of baseline weight) using an enhanced Stop Light Diet (eSLD) delivered using at home face-to-face behavioral sessions and optional physical activity. However, the costs/logistics associated with intervention delivery by individual home visits limits the potential for scaling and implementation of this approach. Thus, we will conduct a two-arm randomized trial in 128 overweight/obese adults with MRDs to compare weight loss (6 mos.) and maintenance (12 mos.) between interventions utilizing the eSLD, behavioral counseling, and increased physical activity delivered to individual participants in their homes or delivered to groups of participants in their homes remotely via video conferencing. The primary aim will compare weight loss between interventions arms across 6 months. Secondarily, we will compare weight loss (0-18 mos.), the proportion of participants who achieve clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) from 0 to 6 and 0 to18 months, and changes in quality of life from 0 to 6 and 0 to 18 months between interventions arms. We will also conduct cost, cost-effectiveness and contingent valuation comparisons and explore the influence of behavioral session attendance, compliance with the recommendations for diet and physical activity, self-monitoring of diet and physical activity, barriers to physical activity, sleep quality, and medications on weight change across 6 and 18 months. NCT REGISTRATION: NCT04046471.

Caloric Intake Relative to Total Daily Energy Expenditure Using a Spinal Cord Injury-Specific Correction Factor: An Analysis by Level of Injury

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the study were to evaluate the influence of level of spinal cord injury (SCI) on caloric intake relative to total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and body composition, and to develop a SCI-specific correction factor for the TDEE estimation.

DESIGN

Individuals with paraplegia (PARA, n = 28) and tetraplegia (TETRA, n = 13) were analyzed. Daily caloric intake, basal metabolic rate, and TDEE were obtained using dietary recall, indirect calorimetry, and prediction equations, respectively. Caloric intake and TDEE were adjusted to bodyweight. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Total caloric (PARA 1516.4 ± 548.4, TETRA 1619.1 ± 564.3 kcal/d), fat (PARA 58.6 ± 27.4, TETRA 65.8 ± 29.7 g), and protein (PARA 62.7 ± 23.2, TETRA 71.5 ± 30.9 g) intake were significantly higher in TETRA versus PARA (P < 0.05) when adjusted for bodyweight. Adjusted and unadjusted TDEE (unadjusted: PARA 1851.0 ± 405.3, TETRA 1530.4 ± 640.4 kcal/d) and basal metabolic rate (unadjusted: PARA 1516.6 ± 398.0, TETRA 1223.6 ± 390.2 kcal/d) were significantly higher in PARA versus TETRA (P < 0.05). Bone mineral content (PARA 3.17 ± 0.6, TETRA 2.71 ± 0.5 g), lean body mass (PARA 50.0 ± 8.6, TETRA 40.96 ± 8.8 kg), and regional percent body fat (PARA 36.45 ± 8.0, TETRA 41.82 ± 9.1) were different between groups (P < 0.05). The SCI-specific correction factor was 1.15.

CONCLUSIONS

A dichotomy exists in caloric intake, TDEE, and body composition among TETRA and PARA. The SCI-specific correction factor of 1.15 is a promising tool to estimate TDEE in SCI.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand the influence of spinal cord level of injury on energy expenditure and body composition; (2) Appreciate that equations used to estimate total daily energy expenditure overestimate energy expenditure in individuals with spinal cord injury; and (3) Understand the importance of normalizing caloric intake to bodyweight after spinal cord injury.

LEVEL

Advanced.

ACCREDITATION

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Effect of Low Intensity Magnetic Field Stimulation on Calcium-Mediated Cytotoxicity After Mild Spinal Cord Contusion Injury in Rats

BACKGROUND

Magnetic field (MF) stimulation has the potential to reduce secondary damage and promote functional recovery after neural tissue injury. The study aimed to observe the effect of very low intensity (17.96µT) MF on general body condition, secondary damage, pain status, and locomotion.

METHODS

We exposed rats to MF (2 h/day × 3 weeks) after 6.25 mm contusion spinal injury. Locomotor behavior was evaluated by BBB score, pain assessment was done by recording threshold for tail flick, expression of voltage-gated calcium channels and extent of secondary damage in the spinal cord was assessed by immunofluorescence and Cresyl violet staining, respectively.

RESULTS

A significant (p ≤ .001) improvement in bladder function as well as BBB score was observed after MF exposure in comparison with sham and SCI over the observation period of 3 weeks. SCI group showed an increase in the threshold for vocalization after discharge, which decreased following MF exposure. Cresyl violet staining showed significantly higher tissue sparing (73%) at the epicenter after MF exposure when compared to SCI group. This was accompanied with a significant decrease in calcium channel expression in MF group as compared to SCI.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest facilitation of sensory-motor recovery after MF exposure, which could be due to attenuation of secondary damage and calcium-mediated excitotoxicity in a mild contusion rat model of SCI.

Independent Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone Levels With Life Dissatisfaction in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

BACKGROUND

The loss of global functional independence, along with bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions, may contribute to psychological distress and life dissatisfaction after spinal cord injury (SCI).

AIM

To explore the relationship of erectile function and androgenic status with life satisfaction, independently from confounders recognizable in spinal cord-injured men.

METHODS

100 consecutive men (49 ± 17 years) admitted to a rehabilitation program because of chronic SCI (≥1 year) underwent clinical/biochemical evaluations, including the assessment of life and sexual satisfaction using the Life-Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 (LiSat-9), erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), global and bowel-bladder functional independence using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and measurement of total testosterone (TT) levels. The free testosterone level was calculated using the Vermeulen formula.

OUTCOMES

The outcomes include the relationship between sexual health and life satisfaction in men with SCI.

RESULTS

A LiSat-9 score <4, suggestive for life dissatisfaction, was exhibited by 49% of men. When compared with the life-satisfied group, a significantly higher percentage of them had sexual dissatisfaction and erectile dysfunction (ED); they also exhibited significantly lower levels of TT and calculated free testosterone (cFT) and a more severe impairment of bowel-bladder function. The life satisfaction degree correlated with sexual satisfaction degree, IIEF-5 score, TT, cFT, and bowel-bladder function degree. At the logistic regression model, including sexual LiSat-9 subscore and bowel-bladder SCIM subscore, only the former exhibited a significant negative association with life dissatisfaction. In a further logistic regression model, including the putative key determinants of sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and cFT levels, a higher odd of life dissatisfaction was independently associated both with a lower IIEF-5 score (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.98) and lower cFT levels (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In men with chronic SCI, assessment of erectile function and testosterone levels can help to predict life satisfaction.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is the first demonstration of the independent association of androgen deficiency and ED with life satisfaction in men with SCI. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify the cause-effect relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

In men with SCI, ED and low testosterone levels exhibit a significant independent association with life dissatisfaction; longitudinal intervention studies could explore possible effects of their treatment in improving sexual and life satisfaction in this population. D'Andrea S, Minaldi E, Castellini C, et al. Independent Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone Levels With Life Dissatisfaction in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Sex Med 2020;17:911-918.

Determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury or lower limb amputation: Perspectives of rehabilitation professionals and wheelchair users

Objective

This study aims to identify determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury or lower limb amputation, from the perspectives of both wheelchair users and rehabilitation professionals. The findings should contribute to the field of health promotion programs for wheelchair users.

Methods

Five focus groups were held with wheelchair users (n = 25), and two with rehabilitation professionals (n = 11). A thematic approach was used for data analysis in which the determinants were categorized using an integrated International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Attitude, Social influence and self-Efficacy model.

Results

Reported personal factors influencing dietary behaviour in wheelchair users were knowledge, boredom, fatigue, stage of life, habits, appetite, self-control, multiple lifestyle problems, intrinsic motivation, goal setting, monitoring, risk perception, positive experiences, suffering, action planning, health condition, function impairments, attitude and self-efficacy. Reported environmental factors influencing dietary behaviour in wheelchair users were unadjusted kitchens, monitoring difficulties, eating out, costs, unfavourable food supply, nutrition education/counselling, access to simple healthy recipes, eating together, cooking for others, and awareness and support of family and friends.

Conclusions

Important modifiable determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users that might be influenced in lifestyle interventions are knowledge, fatigue, habits, self-control, intrinsic motivation, risk perception, attitude and self-efficacy. It is recommended to involve relatives, since they appear to significantly influence dietary behaviour.

The spinal cord-gut-immune axis as a master regulator of health and neurological function after spinal cord injury

Most spinal cord injury (SCI) research programs focus only on the injured spinal cord with the goal of restoring locomotor function by overcoming mechanisms of cell death or axon regeneration failure. Given the importance of the spinal cord as a locomotor control center and the public perception that paralysis is the defining feature of SCI, this "spinal-centric" focus is logical. Unfortunately, such a focus likely will not yield new discoveries that reverse other devastating consequences of SCI including cardiovascular and metabolic disease, bladder/bowel dysfunction and infection. The current review considers how SCI changes the physiological interplay between the spinal cord, the gut and the immune system. A suspected culprit in causing many of the pathological manifestations of impaired spinal cord-gut-immune axis homeostasis is the gut microbiota. After SCI, the composition of the gut microbiota changes, creating a chronic state of gut "dysbiosis". To date, much of what we know about gut dysbiosis was learned from 16S-based taxonomic profiling studies that reveal changes in the composition and abundance of various bacteria. However, this approach has limitations and creates taxonomic "blindspots". Notably, only bacteria can be analyzed. Thus, in this review we also discuss how the application of emerging sequencing technologies can improve our understanding of how the broader ecosystem in the gut is affected by SCI. Specifically, metagenomics will provide researchers with a more comprehensive look at post-injury changes in the gut virome (and mycome). Metagenomics also allows changes in microbe population dynamics to be linked to specific microbial functions that can affect the development and progression of metabolic disease, immune dysfunction and affective disorders after SCI. As these new tools become more readily available and used across the research community, the development of an "ecogenomic" toolbox will facilitate an Eco-Systems Biology approach to study the complex interplay along the spinal cord-gut-immune axis after SCI.