Influence of upper-body continuous, resistance or high-intensity interval training (CRIT) on postprandial responses in persons with spinal cord injury: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Trials, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3583-1 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aims to compare the effects of different types of upper-body exercise on how the body processes food and uses energy in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). It will look at resting as control (CON), Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT), High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Continuous Resistance Training (CRT). The study will measure fasting and postprandial concentrations of metabolites, hormones, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as postprandial energy expenditure and whole-body substrate oxidation rates. The researchers hypothesize that higher-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT and CRT) will improve insulin sensitivity and triglyceride levels compared to moderate-intensity exercise (MICT) or rest (CON).

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 healthy men with chronic SCI (ASIA Impairment Scale A-C)

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomised controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The study will compare the acute metabolic responses of persons with SCI to two novel, higher-intensity modes of upper-body exercise (CRT and HIIT) with a more traditional form of exercise (MICT) and rest (CON).
2
The study anticipates that higher-intensity exercise will lead to greater muscle glycogen depletion, which is expected to improve peripheral insulin sensitivity and glycaemic regulation.
3
The study seeks to identify the exercise modalities and associated mechanisms that offer the greatest therapeutic stimulus for physiological function and metabolic regulation in individuals with a high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease.

Research Summary

This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial to investigate the acute effects of different upper-body exercise modalities on postprandial metabolic responses in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study will compare continuous resistance training (CRT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and rest (CON) on various metabolic parameters. The primary aim is to determine whether higher-intensity exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles in this population, which is at high risk for cardiometabolic diseases.

Practical Implications

Exercise Recommendations

The findings will inform exercise recommendations for individuals with SCI to improve cardiometabolic health.

Therapeutic Strategies

The study may identify novel therapeutic strategies for managing metabolic dysfunction in SCI.

Underlying Mechanisms

The research will help elucidate the mechanisms by which different exercise modalities affect metabolic regulation in this population.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to a small sample size of men with SCI, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study focuses on acute responses to exercise, and long-term effects remain to be investigated.
3
The study relies on self-reported dietary intake, which may be subject to recall bias.

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