The comparison of total energy and protein intake relative to estimated requirements in chronic spinal cord injury.

In chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), individuals experience dietary inadequacies complicated by an understudied research area. Our objectives were to assess (1) the agreement between methods of estimating energy requirement (EER) and estimated energy intake (EEI) and (2) whether dietary protein intake met SCI-specific protein guidelines. Persons with chronic SCI (n = 43) completed 3-day food records to assess EEI and dietary protein intake. EER was determined with the Long and Institute of Medicine (IOM) methods and the SCI-specific Farkas method. Protein requirements were calculated as 0·8-1·0 g/kg of body weight (BW)/d. Reporting accuracy and bias were calculated and correlated to body composition. Compared with IOM and Long methods (P < 0·05), the SCI-specific method did not overestimate the EEI (P = 0·200). Reporting accuracy and bias were best for SCI-specific (98·9 %, -1·12 %) compared with Long (94·8 %, -5·24 %) and IOM (64·1 %, -35·4 %) methods. BW (r = -0·403), BMI (r = -0·323) and total fat mass (r = -0·346) correlated with the IOM reporting bias (all, P < 0·05). BW correlated with the SCI-specific and Long reporting bias (r = -0·313, P = 0·041). Seven (16 %) participants met BW-specific protein guidelines. The regression of dietary protein intake on BW demonstrated no association between the variables (ß = 0·067, P = 0·730). In contrast, for every 1 kg increase in BW, the delta between total and required protein intake decreased by 0·833 g (P = 0·0001). The SCI-specific method for EER had the best agreement with the EEI. Protein intake decreased with increasing BW, contrary to protein requirements for chronic SCI.

Reasons for meal termination, eating frequency, and typical meal context differ between persons with and without a spinal cord injury.

Overeating associated with neurogenic obesity after spinal cord injury (SCI) may be related to how persons with SCI experience satiation (processes leading to meal termination), their eating frequency, and the context in which they eat their meals. In an online, cross-sectional study, adults with (n = 688) and without (Controls; n = 420) SCI completed the Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire-15 (RISE-Q-15), which measures individual differences in the experience of factors contributing to meal termination on five scales: Physical Satisfaction, Planned Amount, Decreased Food Appeal, Self-Consciousness, and Decreased Priority of Eating. Participants also reported weekly meal and snack frequency and who prepares, serves, and eats dinner with them at a typical dinner meal. Analysis revealed that while Physical Satisfaction, Planned Amount, and Decreased Food Appeal were reported as the most frequent drivers of meal termination in both groups, scores for the RISE-Q-15 scales differed across the groups. Compared to Controls, persons with SCI reported Physical Satisfaction and Planned Amount as drivers of meal termination less frequently, and Decreased Food Appeal and Decreased Priority of Eating more frequently (all p < 0.001). This suggests that persons with SCI rely less on physiological satiation cues for meal termination than Controls and instead rely more on hedonic cues. Compared to Controls, persons with SCI less frequently reported preparing and serving dinner meals and less frequently reported eating alone (all p < 0.001), indicating differences in meal contexts between groups. Individuals with SCI reported consuming fewer meals than Controls but reported a higher overall eating frequency due to increased snacking (p ≤ 0.015). A decrease in the experience of physical fullness, along with a dependence on a communal meal context and frequent snacking, likely contribute to overeating associated with neurogenic obesity after SCI.

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.

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.

Correction: Nutritional status in chronic spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The authors noted that there were two typographical errors in Table 2. Under the 'Tetraplegia' group of 'Gorgey et al. [55]' the 'RMR' value was originally given as '14,101 ± 10'. This has now been corrected to '1411 ± 10'. Under the 'Tetra' group of 'Sabour et al. [22]' the 'Energy intake' was originally given as '20,123 ± 681'. This has now been corrected to '2013 ± 681'. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

Nutritional status in chronic spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to investigate nutritional status in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), and compare macronutrient and micronutrient intake to the recommended values by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. SETTING: United States of America. METHODS: A MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science search was performed, identifying 268 papers. All papers included were English-language papers examining adults with chronic SCI. A meta-analysis was performed to produce weighted averages and 95% confidence intervals (CI) when summary statistics were provided. RESULTS: The systematic review included 15 articles, while the meta-analysis included 12. Resting metabolic rate (1492 kcal/day; CI: 1414-1569) fell below the able-bodied average, and total energy (1876 kcal/day; CI: 1694-2059) and fiber (17 g/day; CI: 14-20) intake were below USDA guidelines. Protein (319 kcal/day; CI: 294-345) and carbohydrate (969 kcal/day; CI: 851-1087) intake were above guidelines. Fat intake (663 kcal/day; CI: 590-736) was within USDA guidelines. Vitamins A, B5, B7, B9, D, E, potassium, and calcium were deficient, while vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12, C, K, sodium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc were in excess according to USDA guidelines. Vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium were within USDA guidelines. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate greater energy intake relative to energy needs in those with chronic SCI, and an imbalance in fiber intake and micronutrients compared to the USDA guidelines. Future research examining nutritional health status is needed in order to establish evidence-based, SCI-specific dietary guidelines.

Association Between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength Among Breast Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength among breast cancer survivors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling breast cancer survivors (N=295). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer, with 3 maximal contractions of the left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. RESULTS: Among 295 breast cancer survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1kg (range, 2.2-43.0kg), and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8kg (range, 9.0-43.0kg). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (r=.399; P<.0001). Mean difference analysis suggested that the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands overestimated 1-RM bench press strength by 4.7kg (95% limits of agreement, -8.2 to 17.6kg). In a multivariable linear regression model, the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (ß=.31; P<.0001) and age (ß=-.20; P<.0001) were positively correlated with 1-RM bench press strength (R2=.23). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer survivors. 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength.

Quality and Equity in Wheelchairs Used by Veterans.

OBJECTIVES: To assess in Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) or amputated limb (AL) the following: (1) patient demographics, medical factors, cultural and psychosocial characteristic by race; (2) wheelchair quality by race; and (3) the independent associations of patient race and the other factors with wheelchair quality. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Three Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers affiliated with academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible participants were Veterans with SCI or ALs (N=516); 482 of them completed the interview. Analyses were restricted to white and African American participants. Because there was no variation in wheelchair quality among AL patients (n=42), they were excluded from all but descriptive analyses, leading to a final sample size of 421. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Wheelchair quality as defined by the Medicare Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. RESULTS: We found race differences in many of our variables, but not in quality for manual (odds ratio [OR]=.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], .33-1.36) or power (OR=.82; 95% CI, .51-1.34) wheelchairs. Several factors including age (OR=.96; 95% CI, .93-.99) and income (OR=3.78; 95% CI, 1.43-9.97) were associated with wheelchair quality. There were no significant associations of cultural or psychosocial factors with wheelchair quality. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no racial differences in wheelchair quality, we found a significant association of older age and lower income with poorer wheelchair quality among Veterans. Efforts are needed to raise awareness of such disparities among VA wheelchair providers and to take steps to eliminate these disparities in prescription practice across VA sites.

How Are Race, Cultural, and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Outcomes in Veterans With Spinal Cord Injury?

OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of cultural and psychosocial factors in the outcomes of veteran wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) to help clinicians identify unique factors faced by their patients and help researchers identify target variables for interventions to reduce disparities in outcomes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Three urban Veterans Affairs medical centers affiliated with academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Of the patients (N=516) who were eligible to participate, 482 completed the interview and 439 had SCI. Because of small numbers in other race groups, analyses were restricted to white and African American participants, resulting in a final sample of 422. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life (QOL, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey); satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire); and participation (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form). RESULTS: African American Veterans reported poorer physical QOL but better mental QOL than did white Veterans. No other significant race differences were found in unadjusted analyses. Multivariable analyses showed that psychosocial factors were predominantly associated with patients' QOL outcomes and satisfaction with service, but demographic and medical factors were predominantly associated with participation outcomes. Interaction analyses showed that there was a stronger negative association between anxiety and mental QOL for African Americans than for whites, and a positive association between higher self-esteem and social integration for whites but not African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that attempts to improve the outcomes of Veterans with SCI should focus on a tailored approach that emphasizes patients' demographic, medical, and psychosocial assets (eg, building their sense of self-esteem or increasing their feelings of mastery), while providing services targeted to their specific limitations (eg, reducing depression and anxiety).

Electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction increase wrist extensor cross-sectional area and flow meditated dilatation following spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise on wrist extensors cross-sectional area (CSA), torque and hand functions compared NMES only in individuals with incomplete tetraplegia. The acute effect of an acute bout of NMES with BFR on flow mediated dilation (FMD) was compared with BFR only. METHOD: Nine men completed 6 weeks twice weekly of bilateral NMES training of the wrist extensor muscles. The right forearm received NMES + BFR (30 % above the resting systolic blood pressure), while the left forearm received NMES only. The CSA of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles was measured on ultrasound images. Torque was measured isometrically and hand function with grasp and release test. Another eight men with SCI received NMES+BFR to the right forearm, while the left forearm received BFR only. Immediately, the FMD of the brachial artery was measured. RESULT: Following training, the ECRL CSA was 17 % greater in the NMES+BFR forearm (mean difference = 0.6 cm(2), p = 0.003) compared with the NMES only. The NMES+BFR had a 15 % increase in ECRL CSA (mean increase = 0.58 cm(2), p = 0.048). FMD increased (p = 0.05) in the exercise arm (12 ± 3 %) compared with the control arm (6.5 ± 6 %). CONCLUSION: NMES training with BFR is a strategy that can increase skeletal muscle size. NMES with and without BFR can improve wrist strength and hand function. The acute effects of NMES+BFR may suggest that an increase in FMD may partially contribute to skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

Prevention of recurrent autonomic dysreflexia: a survey of current practice.

OBJECTIVE: There is a dearth of literature on the treatment of chronic recurrent autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a well-known complication of spinal cord injury that can have life-threatening implications. This study sought to identify clinical practices regarding the treatment of AD, both acute and recurrent, in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Online survey regarding AD management in SCI composed of 11 questions designed to obtain information on respondent characteristics, AD treatment options, and causes of AD. SETTING: Veterans Administration health care system. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans Health Administration National SCI Staff Physicians were sent an electronic email to participate in the anonymous web-based survey. INTERVENTION: None applicable. RESULTS: The response rate was 52%. The most commonly prescribed medications for minor and severe acute manifestations of AD were nitrates. For recurrent AD, clonidine was the most commonly prescribed medication. INTERPRETATION: Anti-hypertensive medications continue to be the mainstay in the management of both acute and chronic recurrent AD. Current literature is lacking in prospective randomized controlled trials investigating the relative efficacy of AD interventions. Evidence-based practice guidelines are necessary to improve clinical care.

Frequency of Dietary Recalls, Nutritional Assessment, and Body Composition Assessment in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To assess different frequencies of dietary recalls while evaluating caloric intake and the percentage of macronutrients in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to examine the relations between caloric intake or percentage of macronutrients and assessment of whole and regional body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal. SETTING: Laboratory and hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Men with chronic (>1 y postinjury) motor complete SCI (N=16). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were asked to turn in a 5-day dietary recall on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. The averages of 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls for caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) were calculated. Body composition was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After overnight fast, basal metabolic rate (BMR) was evaluated using indirect calorimetry and total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caloric intake, percentage of macronutrients, BMR, and body composition. RESULTS: Caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients were not different after using 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls (P>.05). Caloric intake was significantly lower than TEE (P<.05). The percentage of fat accounted for 29% to 34% of the whole and regional body fat mass (P=.037 and P=.022). The percentage of carbohydrates was positively related to the percentage of whole-body lean mass (r=.54; P=.037) and negatively related to the percentage of fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of dietary recalls does not vary while evaluating caloric intake and macronutrients. Total caloric intake was significantly lower than the measured BMR and TEE. Percentages of dietary fat and carbohydrates are related to changes in body composition after SCI.

Effects of spinal cord injury on body composition and metabolic profile - part I.

Several body composition and metabolic-associated disorders such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and lipid abnormalities occur prematurely after spinal cord injury (SCI) and at a higher prevalence compared to able-bodied populations. Within a few weeks to months of the injury, there is a significant decrease in total lean mass, particularly lower extremity muscle mass and an accompanying increase in fat mass. The infiltration of fat in intramuscular and visceral sites is associated with abnormal metabolic profiles. The current review will summarize the major changes in body composition and metabolic profiles that can lead to comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases after SCI. It is crucial for healthcare specialists to be aware of the magnitude of these changes. Such awareness may lead to earlier recognition and treatment of metabolic abnormalities that may reduce the co-morbidities seen over the lifetime of persons living with SCI.

Home-based functional electrical stimulation cycling enhances quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: With advances in medicine and increased survival rates, the focus of health care after spinal cord injury (SCI) has evolved from extending life to increasing independence and quality of life (QOL). Because enhancing QOL is an ultimate goal of the rehabilitation process, research involving the improvement of QOL is of great importance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a home-based functional electrical stimulation lower extremity cycling (FES-LEC) program on the QOL of persons with SCI. DESIGN: Eleven veterans with posttraumatic C4-T11 AIS A-C SCI participated in 8 weeks of 3 times weekly home-based FES-LEC. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Tests were completed by all participants prior to and after the 8-week FES-LEC program. RESULTS: There were significant increases in the physical and environmental domain QOL scores. There were nominal nonsignificant increases in the psychological and social domain QOL scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide evidence that home-based FES-LEC 3 times per week for 8 weeks has the potential to result in QOL improvements.

Seat pressure changes after eight weeks of functional electrical stimulation cycling: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common secondary condition associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). PUs can potentially interfere with activities of daily living, occupational duties, and rehabilitation programs, and in severe cases they may threaten life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling has been proposed as an activity that may decrease the risk of PUs through the promotion of increased blood flow and thickening of the gluteus maximus. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the effects of home-based FES cycling on the average and maximal seat pressure of wheelchair-reliant individuals with SCI. METHOD: Eight male veterans with C5-T6 SCI participated in FES cycling 3 times per week. Cycling parameters were individualized depending on the comfort of the participants and the amount of current needed to perform the cycling activity. Pressure mapping was completed immediately before and after the 8 weeks of FES cycling with the measurement performed by a force sensitive application (FSA) 4 pressure mapping system. RESULTS: The mean average seat pressure decreased by 3.69 ± 4.46 mm Hg (35.57 ± 11.99 to 31.88 ± 13.02), while the mean maximum seat pressure decreased by 14.56 ±18.45 mm Hg (112 ± 34.73 to 98.36 ± 25.89). Although neither measurement was statistically significant, there was a strong trend toward a reduction in average and maximal seat pressure (P = .052 and P = .061, respectively). CONCLUSION: The positive trend of decreased seat pressure in our study creates incentive for further investigation of the effects of electrical stimulation activities on seat pressure and the prevention of PUs.

A model of prediction and cross-validation of fat-free mass in men with motor complete spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To establish and validate prediction equations by using body weight to predict legs, trunk, and whole-body fat-free mass (FFM) in men with chronic complete spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SETTING: Research setting in a large medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI (N=63) divided into prediction (n=42) and cross-validation (n=21) groups. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Whole-body FFM and regional FFM were determined by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body weight was measured by using a wheelchair weighing scale after subtracting the weight of the chair. RESULTS: Body weight predicted legs FFM (legs FFM=.09×body weight+6.1; R(2)=.25, standard error of the estimate [SEE]=3.1kg, P<.01), trunk FFM (trunk FFM=.21×body weight+8.6; R(2)=.56, SEE=3.6kg, P<.0001), and whole-body FFM (whole-body FFM=.288×body weight+26.3; R(2)=.53, SEE=5.3kg, P<.0001). The whole-body FFM(predicted) (FFM predicted from the derived equations) shared 86% of the variance in whole-body FFM(measured) (FFM measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) (R(2)=.86, SEE=1.8kg, P<.0001), 69% of trunk FFM(measured), and 66% of legs FFM(measured). The trunk FFM(predicted) shared 69% of the variance in trunk FFM(measured) (R(2)=.69, SEE=2.7kg, P<.0001), and legs FFM(predicted) shared 67% of the variance in legs FFM(measured) (R(2)=.67, SEE=2.8kg, P<.0001). Values of FFM did not differ between the prediction and validation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight can be used to predict whole-body FFM and regional FFM. The predicted whole-body FFM improved the prediction of trunk FFM and legs FFM.

Longitudinal performance of a surgically implanted neuroprosthesis for lower-extremity exercise, standing, and transfers after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal performance of a surgically implanted neuroprosthesis for lower-extremity exercise, standing, and transfers after spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Research or outpatient physical therapy departments of 4 academic hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects (N=15) with thoracic or low cervical level spinal cord injuries who had received the 8-channel neuroprosthesis for exercise and standing. INTERVENTION: After completing rehabilitation with the device, the subjects were discharged to unrestricted home use of the system. A series of assessments were performed before discharge and at a follow-up appointment approximately 1 year later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neuroprosthesis usage, maximum standing time, body weight support, knee strength, knee fatigue index, electrode stability, and component survivability. RESULTS: Levels of maximum standing time, body weight support, knee strength, and knee fatigue index were not statistically different from discharge to follow-up (P>.05). Additionally, neuroprosthesis usage was consistent with subjects choosing to use the system on approximately half of the days during each monitoring period. Although the number of hours using the neuroprosthesis remained constant, subjects shifted their usage to more functional standing versus more maintenance exercise, suggesting that the subjects incorporated the neuroprosthesis into their lives. Safety and reliability of the system were demonstrated by electrode stability and a high component survivability rate (>90%). CONCLUSIONS: This group of 15 subjects is the largest cohort of implanted lower-extremity neuroprosthetic exercise and standing system users. The safety and efficiency data from this group, and acceptance of the neuroprosthesis as demonstrated by continued usage, indicate that future efforts toward commercialization of a similar device may be warranted.

Report of practicability of a 6-month home-based functional electrical stimulation cycling program in an individual with tetraplegia.

BACKGROUND: Sedentarism is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, new technologies such as functional electrical stimulation cycles with internet connectivity may provide incentive by removing some of the limitations and external barriers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a long-term home-based functional electrical stimulation lower extremities cycling (FES-LEC) program on exercise adherence, body composition, energy expenditure, and quality of life (QOL) in an adult with chronic tetraplegia. PARTICIPANT: A 53-year-old man, 33 years post-motor complete C4 SCI participated in FES-LEC in his home, three sessions per week for 24 weeks. METHODS: Exercise adherence was calculated as the percentage of performed cycling sessions relative to the recommended number of cycling sessions. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Energy expenditure was measured using a COSMED K4b2 and QOL via the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) Brief Questionnaire. Testing was performed before and after the 24-week exercise program. RESULTS: The participant cycled 59 out of a recommended 72 sessions which is an exercise adherence rate of 82%. Body composition displayed increases in total body lean mass (LM) with an increase of 3.3% and an increase in leg LM of 7.1%. Energy expenditure increased by 1.26 kcal/minute or greater than 200%. The physical and psychological domain scores of QOL increased by 25 and 4.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This case study provides encouragement concerning the practicality of a home-based FES-LEC program for those with SCI.

A report of anticipated benefits of functional electrical stimulation after spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been regularly used to offset several negative body composition and metabolic adaptations following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the outcomes of many FES trials appear to be controversial and incoherent. OBJECTIVE: To document the potential consequences of several factors (e.g. pain, spasms, stress and lack of dietary control) that may have attenuated the effects on body composition and metabolic profile despite participation in 21 weeks of FES training. PARTICIPANT: A 29-year-old man with T6 complete SCI participated in 21 weeks of FES, 4 days per week. METHODS: Prior to and following training, the participant performed arm-crank-graded exercise testing to measure peak VO(2). Tests conducted included anthropometrics and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition assessments, resting energy expenditure, plasma lipid profiles and intravenous glucose tolerance tests. RESULTS: The participant frequently reported increasing pain, stress and poor eating habits. VO(2) peak decreased by 2.4 ml/kg/minute, body mass increased by 8.5 kg, and body mass index increased from 25 to 28 kg/m(2). Waist and abdominal circumferences increased by 2-4 cm, while %fat mass increased by 5.5%. Absolute increases in fat mass and fat-free mass of 8.4 and 1 kg, respectively, were reported. Fasting and peak plasma glucose increased by 12 and 14.5%, while lipid panel profiles were negatively impacted. CONCLUSION: Failure to control for the listed negative emerging factors may obscure the expected body composition and metabolic profile adaptations anticipated from FES training.

Spasticity Management after Spinal Cord Injury: The Here and Now.

Spasticity is a common comorbidity of spinal cord injury (SCI) that is characterized by velocity dependent tone and spasms manifested by uninhibited reflex activity of muscles below the level of injury. For some, spasticity can be beneficial and facilitate functional standing, transfers, and some activities of daily living. For others, it may be problematic, painful, and interfere with mobility and function. This manuscript will address the anatomy and physiology of neuromuscular reflexes as well as the pathophysiology that occurs after SCI. Spasticity assessment will be discussed in terms of clinical history and findings on physical examinations, including responses to passive and active movement, deep tendon reflexes, and other long tract signs of upper motor neuron injury, as well as gait and function. Management strategies will be discussed including stretch, modalities, pharmacotherapy, neurolysis, and surgical options.