Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2014 Nov;37(6):693-702.
doi: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000245. Epub 2014 Jul 7.

Effects of spinal cord injury on body composition and metabolic profile - part I

Ashraf S Gorgey, David R Dolbow, James D Dolbow, Refka K Khalil, Camilo Castillo, David R Gater
Review

Effects of spinal cord injury on body composition and metabolic profile - part I

Ashraf S Gorgey et al. J Spinal Cord Med. 2014 Nov.

Abstract

Several body composition and metabolic-associated disorders such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and lipid abnormalities occur prematurely after spinal cord injury (SCI) and at a higher prevalence compared to able-bodied populations. Within a few weeks to months of the injury, there is a significant decrease in total lean mass, particularly lower extremity muscle mass and an accompanying increase in fat mass. The infiltration of fat in intramuscular and visceral sites is associated with abnormal metabolic profiles. The current review will summarize the major changes in body composition and metabolic profiles that can lead to comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases after SCI. It is crucial for healthcare specialists to be aware of the magnitude of these changes. Such awareness may lead to earlier recognition and treatment of metabolic abnormalities that may reduce the co-morbidities seen over the lifetime of persons living with SCI.

Keywords: Body composition; Glucose metabolism; Lipid metabolism; Metabolic profile; Muscle mass; Spinal cord injury.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. Spinal cord injury facts and figures at a glance. [accessed on May 1, 2014]. Available from: https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts2012Fe....
    1. Phillips WT, Kiratli BJ, Sarkarati M, Weraarchakul G. Effects of spinal cord injury on the heart and cardiovascular fitness. Curr Prob Cardiol 1998;23(11):641–716. - PubMed
    1. Kocina P. Body composition of spinal cord injury adults. Sports Med 1997;23(1):48–60. - PubMed
    1. Gater DR., Jr Obesity after spinal cord injury. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2007;18(2):333–51. - PubMed
    1. Spungen AM, Adkins RH, Stewart CA, Wang J, Pierson RN Jr, Waters RL, et al. . Factors influencing body composition in persons with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study. J Appl Physiol 2003;95(6):2398–407. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms