Biomarkers of cardiometabolic health are associated with body composition characteristics but not physical activity in persons with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1368203 · Published: May 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between physical activity, body composition, and cardiometabolic health in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It seeks to understand how these factors interact and impact the risk of chronic diseases in this population. The research reveals that while physical activity is linked to cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition characteristics, such as BMI and waist circumference, show stronger associations with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. This suggests body fat content may be a critical factor. These findings emphasize the importance of managing energy balance through diet and exercise for researchers and clinicians aiming to improve cardiometabolic health in individuals with SCI. Focusing on weight management and reducing central adiposity is crucial.

Study Duration

7-day follow-up

Participants

Thirty-three participants with SCI (> 1 year post injury)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional prospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Physical activity dimensions (AEE, physical activity level, MVPA) are associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2 peak).
2
Body composition characteristics (BMI, waist and hip circumference) are significantly associated with parameters of metabolic regulation, lipid profiles, and inflammatory biomarkers.
3
Relative V˙O2 peak (ml/kg/min) was moderately associated with only insulin sensitivity.

Research Summary

The study examined the associations between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in individuals with SCI. Results indicated that physical activity dimensions were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, but body composition characteristics showed stronger associations with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. The findings suggest that regulating energy balance through diet and physical activity is important for improving cardiometabolic health in persons with SCI, with a focus on weight management and reducing central adiposity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should prioritize weight management and body composition assessment in individuals with SCI to mitigate cardiometabolic risks.

Research

Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions that combine diet and exercise to regulate energy balance and improve cardiometabolic health in this population.

Public Health

Public health initiatives should promote physical activity guidelines tailored for individuals with SCI, emphasizing the importance of achieving adequate MVPA to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
2
Small sample size limits the power to detect associations and develop composite models.
3
Use of crude anthropometric measurements for body composition assessment.

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