1
|
Hickey C, Smith É, Hayes S. "I think it was helpful but not as helpful as it could have been" - a qualitative study of the experiences and perspectives of using fitness apps among manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38764300 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2355302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To gain knowledge of the experiences and perceptions of using fitness apps by full-time wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore experiences and perceptions of using these apps in relation to barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten manual wheelchair users with SCI. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes were developed: 1) App functionality and experience, 2) Enhancing motivation, 3) Precursors to engagement and 4) Knowledge gaps. Experience and perception were strongly influenced by app design, particularly the presence or absence of features tailored for wheelchair users. Many apps incorporated the use wearable or mountable sensors. Fitness apps were perceived to increase motivation, although, this had its limitations. Conversely, apps were reported to have limited influence on commonly reported barriers to PA. Furthermore, the data highlighted gaps in knowledge which created barriers to effective app use. CONCLUSIONS Fitness apps were perceived to increase motivation to engage in PA in manual wheelchair users with SCI. However, more needs to be done to further develop app features for wheelchair users with SCI and to address remaining barriers to engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hickey
- Spinal Cord System of Care Programme, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Spinal Cord System of Care, School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Éimear Smith
- Spinal Cord System of Care Programme, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sara Hayes
- Spinal Cord System of Care, School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Danielsson ML, Vergeer M, Plasqui G, Baumgart JK. Accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 4 and Fitbit Versa for Assessing Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate of Wheelchair Users During Treadmill Wheelchair Propulsion: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e52312. [PMID: 38713497 PMCID: PMC11109865 DOI: 10.2196/52312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Apple Watch (AW) Series 1 provides energy expenditure (EE) for wheelchair users but was found to be inaccurate with an error of approximately 30%, and the corresponding error for heart rate (HR) provided by the Fitbit Charge 2 was approximately 10% to 20%. Improved accuracy of estimated EE and HR is expected with newer editions of these smart watches (SWs). OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the accuracy of the AW Series 4 (wheelchair-specific setting) and the Fitbit Versa (treadmill running mode) for estimating EE and HR during wheelchair propulsion at different intensities. METHODS Data from 20 manual wheelchair users (male: n=11, female: n=9; body mass: mean 75, SD 19 kg) and 20 people without a disability (male: n=11, female: n=9; body mass: mean 75, SD 11 kg) were included. Three 4-minute wheelchair propulsion stages at increasing speed were performed on 3 separate test days (0.5%, 2.5%, or 5% incline), while EE and HR were collected by criterion devices and the AW or Fitbit. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was used to indicate the absolute agreement between the criterion device and SWs for EE and HR. Additionally, linear mixed model analyses assessed the effect of exercise intensity, sex, and group on the SW error. Interclass correlation coefficients were used to assess relative agreement between criterion devices and SWs. RESULTS The AW underestimated EE with MAPEs of 29.2% (SD 22%) in wheelchair users and 30% (SD 12%) in people without a disability. The Fitbit overestimated EE with MAPEs of 73.9% (SD 7%) in wheelchair users and 44.7% (SD 38%) in people without a disability. Both SWs underestimated HR. The device error for EE and HR increased with intensity for both SWs (all comparisons: P<.001), and the only significant difference between groups was found for HR in the AW (-5.27 beats/min for wheelchair users; P=.02). There was a significant effect of sex on the estimation error in EE, with worse accuracy for the AW (-0.69 kcal/min; P<.001) and better accuracy for the Fitbit (-2.08 kcal/min; P<.001) in female participants. For HR, sex differences were found only for the AW, with a smaller error in female participants (5.23 beats/min; P=.02). Interclass correlation coefficients showed poor to moderate relative agreement for both SWs apart from 2 stage-incline combinations (AW: 0.12-0.57 for EE and 0.11-0.86 for HR; Fitbit: 0.06-0.85 for EE and 0.03-0.29 for HR). CONCLUSIONS Neither the AW nor Fitbit were sufficiently accurate for estimating EE or HR during wheelchair propulsion. The AW underestimated EE and the Fitbit overestimated EE, and both SWs underestimated HR. Caution is hence required when using SWs as a tool for training intensity regulation and energy balance or imbalance in wheelchair users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius Lyng Danielsson
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Melanie Vergeer
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Guy Plasqui
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Julia Kathrin Baumgart
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chacon C, Chopek JW. Sympathetic function as key player in VO 2 max and brachial artery diameter. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1595-1596. [PMID: 37165054 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Chacon
- Spinal Cord Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jeremy W Chopek
- Spinal Cord Research Centre, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Energy expenditure and nutrient intake after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review and practical recommendations. Br J Nutr 2022; 128:863-887. [PMID: 34551839 PMCID: PMC9389429 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114521003822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|
5
|
Recent Updates in Nutrition After Spinal Cord Injury: 2015 Through 2021. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-022-00367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
6
|
Flett S, Garcia J, Cowley KC. Spinal electrical stimulation to improve sympathetic autonomic functions needed for movement and exercise after spinal cord injury: a scoping clinical review. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:649-670. [PMID: 35894427 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00205.2022] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in sensory, motor and autonomic dysfunction. Obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are highly prevalent after SCI. Although inadequate voluntary activation of skeletal muscle contributes, it is absent or inadequate activation of thoracic spinal sympathetic neural circuitry and sub-optimal activation of homeostatic (cardiovascular, temperature) and metabolic support systems that truly limits exercise capacity, particularly for those with cervical SCI. Thus, when electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) studies aimed at improving motor functions began mentioning effects on exercise-related autonomic functions, a potential new area of clinical application appeared. To survey this new area of potential benefit, we performed a systematic scoping review of clinical SCS studies involving these spinally mediated autonomic functions. Nineteen studies were included, 8 used transcutaneous and 11 used epidural SCS. Improvements in BP at rest or in response to orthostatic challenge were investigated most systematically, whereas reports of improved temperature regulation, whole body metabolism and peak exercise performance were mainly anecdotal. Effective stimulation locations and parameters varied between studies, suggesting multiple stimulation parameters and rostrocaudal spinal locations may influence the same sympathetic function. Brainstem and spinal neural mechanisms providing excitatory drive to sympathetic neurons that activate homeostatic and metabolic tissues that provide support for movement and exercise and their integration with locomotor neural circuitry are discussed. A unifying conceptual framework for the integrated neural control of locomotor and sympathetic function is presented which may inform future research needed to take full advantage of SCS for improving these spinally mediated autonomic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Flett
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Juanita Garcia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kristine C Cowley
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bekhet AH, Jahan AM, Bochkezanian V, Musselman KE, Elsareih AA, Gorgey AS. Effects of Electrical Stimulation Training on Body Composition Parameters After Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:1168-1178. [PMID: 34687676 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or functional electrical stimulation (FES), or both, training on different body composition parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury. DATA SOURCES Three independent reviewers searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Virtual Health Library until March 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they applied NMES/FES on the lower limb muscles after spinal cord injury, reported stimulation parameters (frequency, pulse duration, and amplitude of current), and body composition parameters, which included muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), fat-free mass, lean mass (LM), fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, and intramuscular fat. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 46 studies were included in the final analysis with a total sample size of 414 subjects. NMES loading exercise and FES cycling exercise were commonly used for training. Increases in muscle CSA ranged from 5.7-75%, with an average of 26% (n=33). Fifteen studies reported changes (both increase and decrease) in LM or fat-free mas ranged from -4% to 35%, with an average of less than 5%. Changes in fat mass (n=10) were modest. The effect on ectopic adipose tissue is inconclusive, with 2 studies showing an average reduction in intramuscular fat by 9.9%. Stimulation parameters ranged from 200-1000 μs for pulse duration, 2-60 Hz for the frequency, and 10-200 mA in amplitude. Finally, increase in weekly training volumes after NMES loading exercise resulted in a remarkable increase in percentage changes in LM or muscle CSA. CONCLUSIONS NMES/FES is an effective rehabilitation strategy for muscle hypertrophy and increasing LM. Weekly training volumes are associated with muscle hypertrophy after NMES loading exercise. Furthermore, positive muscle adaptations occur despite the applied stimulation parameters. Finally, the included studies reported wide range of stimulation parameters without reporting rationale for such selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alhadi M Jahan
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Vanesa Bochkezanian
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Kristin E Musselman
- KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amr A Elsareih
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf S Gorgey
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA; Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Richmond, VA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chiou SY, Clarke E, Lam C, Harvey T, Nightingale TE. Effects of Arm-Crank Exercise on Fitness and Health in Adults With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:831372. [PMID: 35392374 PMCID: PMC8982085 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.831372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) may benefit less from exercise training due to consequences of their injury, leading to lower cardiorespiratory fitness and higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. Arm-crank exercise (ACE) is the most common form of volitional aerobic exercise used by people with SCI outside a hospital. However, evidence regarding the specific effects of ACE alone on fitness and health in adults with SCI is currently lacking. Hence, this review aimed to determine the effects of ACE on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, motor function, health-related quality of life (QoL), and adverse events in adults with chronic SCI. Inclusion criteria were: inactive adults (≥18 years) with chronic SCI (>12 months post injury); used ACE alone as an intervention; measured at least one of the following outcomes; cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, cardiovascular disease risk factors, motor function, health-related QoL, and adverse events. Evidence was synthesized and appraised using GRADE. Eighteen studies with a combined total of 235 participants having an injury between C4 to L3 were included. There was a moderate certainty of the body of evidence on ACE improving cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise prescriptions from the included studies were 30-40 min of light to vigorous-intensity exercise, 3-5 times per week for 2-16 weeks. GRADE confidence ratings were very low for ACE improving body composition, CVD risks factors, motor function, or health-related QoL. No evidence suggests ACE increases the risk of developing shoulder pain or other injuries. Overall, this review recommends adults with chronic SCI should engage in regular ACE to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. More high-quality, larger-scale studies are needed to increase the level of evidence of ACE in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and to determine the effects of ACE on other outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_reco rd.php?ID=CRD42021221952], identifier [CRD42021221952].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Yi Chiou
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Clarke
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chi Lam
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Harvey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tom E. Nightingale
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trauma Sciences Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The ability of heart rate or perceived exertion to predict oxygen uptake varies across exercise modes in persons with tetraplegia. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:1247-1255. [PMID: 34462547 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. OBJECTIVES To examine grouped and intra-individual relationships between 1) exercise intensity and heart rate (EI-HR); 2) EI and oxygen uptake (EI-VO2); 3) VO2 and HR (VO2-HR); and 4) perceived exertion and VO2 (PE-VO2) in persons with tetraplegia (C4/5-C8) during different modes of exercise. SETTING Community in Winnipeg, Canada. METHODS Participants exercised at 3 graded intensities during arm ergometry (ERG), wheeling indoors on cement (MWC), or hand-cycling outdoors (HC). EI (Watts, km/hr) and VO2, HR and PE were recorded. RESULTS 22 persons completed ERG, 14/22 also completed MWC and 5/22 completed ERG, MWC and HC. Regression analysis of grouped data showed a significant relationship between EI-VO2 but not for EI-HR or HR-VO2. Intra-individual analyses showed a strong correlation (r or ρ > 0.7) for VO2-HR for 16/22 during ERG. In the participants completing multiple exercise modes, a strong VO2-HR relationship was present in 12/14 in ERG, but in only 6/14 in MWC. The 5 persons exercising with all 3 modes had a strong HR-VO2 relationship in 5/5 for ERG, 2/5 in MWC and 1/5 in HC. A strong relationship for PE-VO2 was observed in a higher proportion of participants (versus HR-VO2) during MWC (9/14) and HC (2/4). CONCLUSION Within the same individual, the HR-VO2 relationship varies across modes, despite exercising over similar ranges of steady-state VO2. HR appears less able to predict VO2 compared to PE. Based on these new findings, systematic investigation of the HR-VO2 relationship across modes of exercise in tetraplegia is warranted.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dolbow DR, Credeur DP, Lemacks JL, Stokic DS, Pattanaik S, Corbin GN, Courtner AS. Electrically induced cycling and nutritional counseling for counteracting obesity after spinal cord injury: A pilot study. J Spinal Cord Med 2021; 44:533-540. [PMID: 31971487 PMCID: PMC8288120 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1710939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Dolbow
- School of Physical Therapy, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA,Correspondence to: David R. Dolbow, Physical Therapy Program, William Carey University, 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS39401, USA.
| | - Daniel P. Credeur
- School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Lemacks
- School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Dobrivoje S. Stokic
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Sambit Pattanaik
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Gevork N. Corbin
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Andrew S. Courtner
- Educational Research and Higher Education Administration, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Health provider identified barriers and facilitators to weight management for individuals with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:1061-1071. [PMID: 33564116 PMCID: PMC8349924 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Study Design: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers and facilitators of weight management in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspective of SCI health care providers. Setting: Veterans Health Administration and Midwest Regional SCI Care Systems Methods: Health care providers (n=25) who care for individuals with SCI completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis methodology was used to identify emergent themes around barriers and facilitators to weight management in SCI. Results: Sixteen subthemes emerged for barriers and 7 subthemes emerged for facilitators for weight management in SCI. Barriers included individual-level factors (e.g., physical ability/mobility limitations, lack of interest, psychological obstacles, lack of knowledge, poor dietary strategies), socio-environmental factors (e.g., challenges with family support, lack of access to weight management resources, dependency on others, difficulties obtaining weight measurement), and organizational factors (e.g., lack of integration/ inconsistent weight management support from healthcare systems, pushing calorie intake early post-injury). Facilitators included individual-level factors (e.g., motivation, education/knowledge, participation in exercise and physical activity) and socio-environmental factors (e.g., positive support network, access to/use of healthy dietary strategies, access to exercise facilities/adaptive equipment, participating in weight management with others). Conclusions: Healthcare providers identified individual-level, socio-environmental, and organizational barriers and facilitators that influence weight management efforts in individuals with SCI. Future weight management resources and programs should consider addressing common barriers identified by healthcare providers, individuals with SCI, and their caregivers, and develop strategies to promote facilitators to enhance weight management in this population.
Collapse
|
12
|
McMillan DW, Maher JL, Jacobs KA, Nash MS, Gater DR. Exercise Interventions Targeting Obesity in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2021; 27:109-120. [PMID: 33814889 PMCID: PMC7983638 DOI: 10.46292/sci20-00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in an array of cardiometabolic complications, with obesity being the most common component risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) in this population. Recent Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for CMD in SCI recommend physical exercise as a primary treatment strategy for the management of CMD in SCI. However, the high prevalence of obesity in SCI and the pleiotropic nature of this body habitus warrant strategies for tailoring exercise to specifically target obesity. In general, exercise for obesity management should aim primarily to induce a negative energy balance and secondarily to increase the use of fat as a fuel source. In persons with SCI, reductions in the muscle mass that can be recruited during activity limit the capacity for exercise to induce a calorie deficit. Furthermore, the available musculature exhibits a decreased oxidative capacity, limiting the utilization of fat during exercise. These constraints must be considered when designing exercise interventions for obesity management in SCI. Certain forms of exercise have a greater therapeutic potential in this population partly due to impacts on metabolism during recovery from exercise and at rest. In this article, we propose that exercise for obesity in SCI should target large muscle groups and aim to induce hypertrophy to increase total energy expenditure response to training. Furthermore, although carbohydrate reliance will be high during activity, certain forms of exercise might induce meaningful postexercise shifts in the use of fat as a fuel. General activity in this population is important for many components of health, but low energy cost of daily activities and limitations in upper body volitional exercise mean that exercise interventions targeting utilization and hypertrophy of large muscle groups will likely be required for obesity management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. McMillan
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, Florida
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jennifer L. Maher
- Department of Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin A. Jacobs
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
| | - Mark S. Nash
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, Florida
| | - David R. Gater
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|