Effect of Exercise on Disorders of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Adults With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review of the Evidence

J Spinal Cord Med, 2009 · DOI: · Published: August 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This systematic review aimed to assess if exercise can improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in adults with chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI). These disorders may affect those with SCI differently due to reduced physical activity. The review looked at 22 studies that evaluated exercise interventions and reported outcomes related to carbohydrate, lipid, and cardiovascular health in adults with chronic SCI. The review found that the evidence is not strong enough to determine if exercise helps with these metabolic disorders in adults with SCI. More research is needed to inform future studies.

Study Duration

8 to 52 weeks

Participants

Totals of 150 and 369 subjects

Evidence Level

Systematic Review of 22 studies

Key Findings

1
Evidence is insufficient to determine whether exercise improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders among adults with SCI.
2
Small sample sizes and variations in study design, intervention, SCI characteristics, and reported outcomes precluded quantitative pooling of results or reliable assessment of metabolic efficacy.
3
No intervention studies assessed cardiovascular outcomes.

Research Summary

This systematic review examined the effect of exercise on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in adults with chronic SCI. Twenty-two studies were included, but the evidence was deemed insufficient to determine whether exercise improves these disorders. The review identified inconsistencies in findings across studies due to variations in patient populations, exercise programs, and outcome measures. Most studies were preliminary, small, and short in duration, often lacking control groups. The authors recommend future collaborative research with higher-quality RCTs and prospective epidemiologic studies to better understand the risks versus benefits of exercise in adults with chronic SCIs.

Practical Implications

Future Research

Expert consensus is needed to prioritize study parameters, including the study population, exercise interventions, and outcome measures.

Collaborative Studies

Pooling of resources by funding agencies and researchers through multiple site collaborations is needed to conduct resource-intensive RCTs and prospective epidemiologic studies.

Careful Consideration of Variables

Observational studies should consider and carefully control for subject demographic and injury parameters such as age, race, sex, comorbidities, and duration, level, and completeness of SCI.

Effect of Exercise on Disorders of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Adults With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review of the Evidence

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Future Research

Collaborative Studies

Careful Consideration of Variables

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Effect of Exercise on Disorders of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Adults With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review of the Evidence

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Future Research

Collaborative Studies

Careful Consideration of Variables

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?