Comparison of Fat Mass Percentage and Body Mass Index in Koreans With Spinal Cord Injury According to the Severity and Duration of Motor Paralysis

Ann Rehabil Med, 2015 · DOI: 10.5535/arm.2015.39.3.384 · Published: June 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Physiology

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to analyze how fat mass percentage (FMP) and body mass index (BMI) relate to obesity rates in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, considering gender, injury severity, and duration after injury. The study found that FMP increased with the duration of SCI, and it was higher in patients with more severe motor paralysis. Using specific FMP cutoffs, the obesity rate was almost 70%. BMI, however, did not correlate well with obesity in SCI patients, especially those with severe paralysis and longer injury duration, suggesting FMP could be a better tool for assessing obesity in this population.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

915 Korean SCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
FMP increases with the duration of spinal cord injury, especially in patients with motor complete tetraplegia.
2
BMI is not a reliable indicator of obesity in SCI patients, particularly those with motor complete tetraplegia and longer injury duration.
3
FMP could be used as a complementary tool when evaluating obesity in SCI patients.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between fat mass percentage (FMP) and body mass index (BMI) with obesity in Korean spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, considering the severity and duration of motor paralysis. The results indicated that FMP increased with the duration of SCI and was higher in patients with more severe motor paralysis, while BMI did not show a consistent correlation with obesity in SCI patients. The study suggests that FMP could be a valuable tool for assessing obesity in SCI patients, especially when BMI is not reliable, and recommends FMP for patients in motor complete groups (AIS-A, B).

Practical Implications

Improved Obesity Assessment

FMP should be used alongside BMI for a more accurate assessment of obesity in SCI patients, particularly those with complete motor paralysis and longer injury duration.

Targeted Interventions

The findings can help tailor interventions to manage and prevent obesity in SCI patients, considering the duration and severity of their injury.

Clinical Guidelines

The results support the incorporation of FMP measurements into clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of obesity in SCI patients.

Comparison of Fat Mass Percentage and Body Mass Index in Koreans With Spinal Cord Injury According to the Severity and Duration of Motor Paralysis

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Obesity Assessment

Targeted Interventions

Clinical Guidelines

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Comparison of Fat Mass Percentage and Body Mass Index in Koreans With Spinal Cord Injury According to the Severity and Duration of Motor Paralysis

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Obesity Assessment

Targeted Interventions

Clinical Guidelines

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?