Abstract
The Paralympic movement is growing in popularity, resulting in increased numbers of athletes with a spinal cord injury (SCI) competing in various sport disciplines. Athletes with an SCI require specialized recommendations to promote health and to maximize performance, as evidenced by their metabolic and physiological adaptations. Nutrition is a key factor for optimal performance; however, scientifically supported nutritional recommendations are limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the importance of carbohydrates (CHO) for health and performance in athletes with an SCI. Factors possibly affecting CHO needs, such as muscle atrophy, reduced energy expenditure, and secondary complications are analyzed comprehensively. Furthermore, a model calculation for CHO requirements during an endurance event is provided. Along with assessing the effectiveness of CHO supplementation in the athletic population with SCI, the evaluation of their CHO intake from the available research supplies background to current practices. Finally, future directions are identified. In conclusion, the direct transfer of CHO guidelines from able-bodied (AB) athletes to athletes with an SCI does not seem to be reasonable. Based on the critical role of CHOs in exercise performance, establishing recommendations for athletes with an SCI should be the overall objective for prospective research.
Highlights
Published: 24 June 2021Sport for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has undergone a remarkable development in recent decades, with improvements in performance and participation [1].While primarily focusing on rehabilitation in the early days, the possibilities to engage in high-performance athletics grew progressively over time
An inspiring effect is attributed to the Paralympic Games, especially for children and young people with disabilities, regarding self-perception and confidence to participate in sport [2]
Given the crucial role of CHO in sport performance, this review aims to provide an overview of what is known about CHO requirements and recommendations for athletes with an SCI, identify areas of need, and highlight future directions
Summary
Published: 24 June 2021Sport for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has undergone a remarkable development in recent decades, with improvements in performance and participation [1].While primarily focusing on rehabilitation in the early days, the possibilities to engage in high-performance athletics grew progressively over time. Sport for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has undergone a remarkable development in recent decades, with improvements in performance and participation [1]. The Paralympic Games represent the quadrennial highlight for elite-level, Para-athletes and include hundreds of competitors and mainstream media exposure [1,2,3]. Considering the aforementioned popularity of the Paralympic Games and the relatively high incidence of SCIs, it seems natural to assume a continually increasing number of individuals with an SCI exercising in various types of sport. Competition at both the elite and amateur level will further intensify
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