The effect of behavioral intervention and nutrition education program on serum lipid profile, body weight and blood pressure in Iranian individuals with spinal cord injury: A randomized clinical trial

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1209890 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether a 7-month nutrition education program can improve lipid profiles and body weight in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to see if nutrition education could help manage cardiovascular disease risk factors in this population. Patients with SCI were divided into two groups: one receiving nutrition education and the other serving as a control. The nutrition education included 5 sessions with specific diets designed based on individual anthropometric characteristics. The study measured body weight, cholesterol levels (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), and blood pressure at the start and end of the 7-month period to determine if the nutrition education program had a significant impact.

Study Duration

7 Months

Participants

57 patients with SCI (30 in education group, 27 in control group)

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized clinical trial

Key Findings

1
The nutrition education program did not significantly affect total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in patients with SCI.
2
There were no significant changes in body weight or waist circumference observed in the education group compared to the control group after the 7-month intervention.
3
The study suggests that nutrition education alone may not be effective enough to produce beneficial changes in weight and lipid profile for individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the impact of a 7-month nutrition education program on lipid profiles and body weight in Iranian patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicated that the nutrition education program did not have a significant effect on serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, or body weight. The study concludes that nutrition education alone may not be sufficient for improving lipid profiles and anthropometric measurements in individuals with SCI, suggesting the need for combined interventions.

Practical Implications

Combined Interventions

Combining nutrition education with physical exercises, medication, and motivational programs may be more effective for SCI patients.

Adherence Focus

Future programs should emphasize strategies to improve patient adherence to dietary recommendations.

Personalized Plans

Consideration of individual factors like hand function, mobility, and caregiver involvement is crucial in nutritional plan design.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the statistical power.
2
Lack of standard instruments in Farsi to assess physical activity.
3
Various factors affecting compliance with nutrition programs in SCI patients were not fully addressed.

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