• Assessment
    How should body composition be measured in spinal cord injured people?
    • Conclusion

      Several methods exist to measure body composition in spinal cord-injured people, and all methods indicate that individuals with spinal cord injury have significantly higher fat mass and lower lean mass than able-bodied controls.  While dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and bioelectric impedance analysis measures correlate with the reference standard total body water, different machine brands or machine settings can produce varied results.  In addition, the use of skinfold measurements and body mass index may be problematic because these methods were developed based on able-bodied persons. 

    • Grade: II
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    What are the indications for nutrition care to prevent or treat overweight and obesity in the community living phase of persons with Spinal Cord Injury?
    • Conclusion

      Due to decreased energy expenditure and caloric needs, secondary to lower levels of spontaneous physical activity and a lower thermic effect of food, adults in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury are frequently overweight or obese and therefore at risk of associated comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  While methods of measuring body composition may be problematic in this population, body fat percentage is higher in individuals with spinal cord injury than able-bodied people.  Initial weight loss during the acute phase of spinal cord injury may lead to weight gain in the chronic phase due to body mass redistribution. 

       

    • Grade: II
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.