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Acute Low Force Electrically Induced Exercise Modulates Post Prandial Glycemic Markers in People with Spinal Cord Injury

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol., 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7040089 · Published: October 17, 2022

Spinal Cord InjuryEndocrinologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how a special type of exercise, using electrical stimulation to contract muscles, can help people with spinal cord injuries manage their blood sugar levels after eating. This method, called low force electrically induced exercise (LFE), could offer a way to control blood sugar without putting too much stress on weakened bones. The researchers compared blood sugar and insulin levels in people with and without spinal cord injuries after they drank a sugary drink. They found that LFE helped to reduce the spike in insulin levels in the group with spinal cord injuries. The findings suggest that LFE could be a useful addition to daily routines for those with spinal cord injuries, helping them to keep their metabolism in check. This is especially important because people with paralysis often face challenges in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
18 with SCI and 23 without SCI
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    People with SCI had higher fasting insulin, lactate, C-reactive protein, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and low-density lipoprotein compared to the non-SCI population.
  • 2
    LFE reduced the insulin response one hour after a glucose challenge in people with SCI.
  • 3
    Lactate levels were significantly higher in people with SCI after LFE compared to their control session and compared to the non-SCI cohort after LFE.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effect of low force electrically induced exercise (LFE) on postprandial glycemic markers in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicate that LFE attenuates the insulin response one hour after a glucose challenge in people with SCI, suggesting it may offer a lifestyle strategy to regulate metabolic responses after eating. The study concludes that LFE may be a feasible lifestyle strategy to decrease post-prandial hyperinsulinemia and potentially influence the development of type II diabetes among people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Lifestyle Strategy

LFE may offer a daily life-style strategy to modulate peak insulin hormone release, without requiring high force contractions.

Clinical Translation

The intervention is cost effective and has the potential to translate seamlessly into the clinic if confirmed by larger, longitudinal clinical trials.

Preventive Rehabilitation

LFE may be responsive to preventive lifestyle rehabilitation recommendations for those on a pathway to developing metabolic disease.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study used an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with glucose rather than a mixed meal, which may not resemble the typical meal of people with SCI.
  • 2
    The study did not have the power to stratify participants by lesion level.
  • 3
    The study was slightly underpowered given the variation in glucose.

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