Weight gain following spinal cord injury: a pilot study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2011 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772311Y.0000000001 · Published: January 1, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at weight gain in people after a spinal cord injury (SCI). It found that people with SCI tend to gain weight, especially in the first year after their injury. The study also found that the amount of weight gain was not related to the severity of the injury, but people who were already overweight were more likely to stay overweight. The authors suggest that weight management should be a focus during rehabilitation and in the first year after SCI to help prevent obesity.

Study Duration

5 years

Participants

85 persons with new spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mean BMI increased significantly after SCI, with the greatest increase occurring during the first year post-injury.
2
A significant portion of participants shifted from normal BMI to overweight or obese classifications during the study period.
3
SCI level, AIS grade, mode of mobility, and age at rehabilitation admission were not significant predictors of BMI change.

Research Summary

This retrospective chart review aimed to define the temporal course of weight gain in persons with new SCI and identify predictors of weight gain. The study found a significant increase in BMI after new SCI, with the greatest weight gain risk during the first year following acute rehabilitation. The authors conclude that these findings highlight the need for obesity prevention during initial rehabilitation and the early follow-up period.

Practical Implications

Weight Management Emphasis

Weight management needs special emphasis during SCI initial rehabilitation and during the first year post-SCI.

Aggressive Prevention Measures

More aggressive weight gain prevention measures may be required during acute SCI rehabilitation and during the first 6–12 months after SCI.

Patient Education Programs

Examining possibilities for patient education programs during the acute rehabilitation stay may be a vital component of future prevention strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective data collection with possible charting or weight measurement inaccuracies
2
Self-reported heights
3
Variable follow-up among participants

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury