Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Amateur Spinal Cord Injured Wheelchair Racers Participating in a Marathon: A Pilot Observational Study

This study examined the physiological impact of marathon participation on wheelchair racers with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It compared cardiac troponin levels and other metabolic parameters between SCI participants and non-SCI runners. The research found that while SCI participants had higher baseline cardiac troponin levels, the post-race increase was similar to that of runners. This suggests that marathon participation places a comparable level of physiological stress on both groups. The study highlights the need for further research into the elevated baseline cardiac troponin levels observed in individuals with SCI. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of potential cardiac issues in this population.

• 1
  SCI participants had significantly higher baseline high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels compared to runners.
• 2
  Post-race hs-cTnT levels were significantly elevated in both SCI participants and runners compared to their respective baselines.
• 3
  There was no significant difference in post-race hs-cTnT levels between the SCI participants and the runners, indicating similar cardiac stress responses.