Trends in measuring BMR and RMR after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review

British Journal of Nutrition, 2023 · DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523000831 · Published: April 24, 2023

Simple Explanation

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), changes in body composition occur, leading to increased adiposity and decreased lean mass below the injury level, resulting in neurogenic obesity. The review emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring basal metabolic rate (BMR) for personalized nutritional plans in individuals with SCI to prevent obesity-related comorbidities. Researchers and clinicians should prioritize measured or predicted BMR over RMR (resting metabolic rate) when creating dietary plans for weight loss in persons with SCI, as RMR may lead to overfeeding.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Studies that conducted BMR (n=15) and RMR (n=22) in persons with SCI

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
RMR is 9% greater than BMR in persons with SCI.
2
SCI-specific prediction equations that include measures of fat-free mass (FFM) can accurately predict BMR.
3
BMR was found to be equivalent to 1397 ± 139 kcal/d, whereas RMR is equivalent to 1527 ± 188 kcal/d.

Research Summary

This comprehensive review focuses on the significance of accurately determining energy needs after SCI, highlighting the importance of measuring BMR for nutritional guidance and managing malnutrition or obesity. The study reveals that RMR is often erroneously used interchangeably with BMR, leading to potential overestimation of energetic intake when developing nutritional plans for individuals with SCI. The findings emphasize the need for standardized terminology and the use of BMR measurements to combat obesity after SCI effectively, encouraging further research in this area.

Practical Implications

Nutritional Planning

Accurate BMR measurement should be prioritized for personalized dietary regimens to prevent overfeeding and obesity in SCI individuals.

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should adopt SCI-specific prediction equations incorporating fat-free mass for more accurate BMR estimations.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to explore the impact of injury level and gender on BMR, RMR, and TDEE in SCI patients.

Trends in measuring BMR and RMR after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Nutritional Planning

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Study Limitations

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Trends in measuring BMR and RMR after spinal cord injury: a comprehensive review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Nutritional Planning

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?