Abstract
Context Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) present with low fat oxidation that is associated with poor cardiometabolic health. This study compared changes in fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation during moderate intensity continuous exercise in persons with SCI and able-bodied adults (AB). Design Repeated measures, within-subjects study. Setting University laboratory in San Diego, CA. Participants Nine men and women with SCI (age and time since injury = 32 ± 11 yr and 7 ± 6 yr) and 10 AB adults (age = 25 ± 8 yr). Interventions To assess peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak power output (PPO), participants performed progressive arm ergometry to volitional exhaustion. Subsequently, they completed 25 min of continuous exercise at 45%PPO. Outcome Measures Respiratory exchange ratio (RER), fat and CHO oxidation, and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were assessed. Results Data showed a similar RER (P = 0.98) during exercise in SCI (0.97 ± 0.04) versus AB (0.97 ± 0.03) reflecting high CHO use and no differences in BLa (3.5 ± 1.1 and 3.0 ± 0.9 vs. mM, P = 0.56) or fat and CHO oxidation between groups (P > 0.05). However, participants with SCI exercised at a higher relative intensity (P < 0.01, 84 ± 7 vs. 75 ± 7%HRpeak) versus AB. Conclusion Data confirm high reliance on CHO during arm ergometry in persons with SCI. To better compare substrate utilization to AB adults, we recommend that exercise be prescribed according to peak heart rate due to differences in cardiorespiratory fitness between groups.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
