Factors Affecting Metabolic Syndrome in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.21144 · Published: February 28, 2022

Simple Explanation

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This is due to decreased physical activity, muscle mass, and metabolism after SCI, leading to increased obesity risk. Accurate obesity definition is important to identify individuals at risk of MetS for weight assessment and management. The study aimed to assess the validity of different anthropometric measures in diagnosing MetS among individuals with SCI. The study found that increasing age and lower neurological level of injury were risk factors for MetS. A stricter BMI cutoff is needed for individuals with SCI in diagnosing MetS.

Study Duration

February to December 2019

Participants

157 individuals with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Increasing age and lower neurological level of injury were significant risk factors for MetS.
2
BMI and WC in men were significantly positively correlated with the number of MetS subfactors.
3
A BMI cutoff value of 22.8 kg/m2 was suggested for diagnosing MetS in individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and assessed the correlation between anthropometric measures and MetS subfactors. The results indicated that increasing age and lower neurological level of injury are significant risk factors for MetS in SCI patients. Male BMI and waist circumference (WC) were positively correlated with MetS subfactors. The study suggests a stricter BMI cutoff of 22.8 kg/m2 for diagnosing MetS in individuals with SCI and calls for a large population-based study to define central obesity according to sex and ethnicity in this population.

Practical Implications

Stricter BMI Cutoff

A lower BMI cutoff (22.8 kg/m2) should be considered for diagnosing MetS in individuals with SCI.

WC as a Key Indicator

Waist circumference is a more reliable measure than BMI for assessing abdominal adiposity and MetS risk in SCI patients.

Further Research Needed

Large population-based studies are needed to establish sex- and ethnicity-specific cutoff values for central obesity in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size
2
Sample deviation toward paraplegia and complete injury due to the focus on neurogenic bladder management
3
Use of bioelectrical impedance analysis for PBF measurement, which is subject to validation issues in individuals with SCI

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