Dietary Intake Relative to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 13.1310/sci2002-127 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the relationship between diet and heart disease risk factors in people with long-term spinal cord injuries (SCI). Researchers compared the diets of 100 people with SCI to those of 100 people without SCI, looking at things like cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist size. The study found that people with SCI had larger waist sizes and lower levels of 'good' cholesterol compared to those without SCI. However, the study did not find a direct link between specific food groups and heart disease risk factors in the SCI group.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

100 SCI participants and 100 age-, gender-, and race-matched able-bodied individuals

Evidence Level

Level 3; Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
SCI participants had significantly larger waist circumference compared to the control group (39.2 vs 36.2 in.; P < .001).
2
SCI participants had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the control group (39.2 vs 47.5 mg/dL; P < .001).
3
No statistically significant relationship was found between the consumption of selected food groups (dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat) and CVD risk factors in the SCI participants.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the relationship between dietary intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to able-bodied controls. The study found that SCI participants had adverse waist circumference and HDL-C levels compared to controls, indicating a higher risk for CVD. The study did not identify a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of selected food groups and CVD risk factors in the SCI group.

Practical Implications

Dietary Recommendations

Despite the lack of direct correlation in this study, individuals with SCI should be encouraged to maintain a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, similar to general population recommendations.

Further Research

Larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to investigate the complex relationship between diet, physical activity, and CVD risk factors in individuals with chronic SCI.

Weight Management

Given the increased waist circumference in SCI participants, weight management strategies, including diet and exercise, are important for reducing CVD risk.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the power to detect statistically significant relationships.
2
Dietary intake was assessed using self-reported questionnaires, which may underestimate actual intake.
3
The study sample was a convenience sample from a single site, limiting generalizability to the broader SCI population.

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