Fitness, inflammation, and the metabolic syndrome in men with paraplegia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relations among peak aerobic capacity, physical activity, functional ability, components of the metabolic syndrome (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides [TG], glucose, insulin, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure), and inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP]) in men with paraplegia.


METHODS
Cross-sectional exploratory design.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-two men (age, 39+/-9y; duration of injury, 17+/-9y; level of injury, T2-L2) with functionally complete paraplegia volunteered to participate.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Peak aerobic capacity was measured using a graded peak exercise test with an arm ergometer, and physical activity was assessed by the Physical Activity and Disability Scale. Functional ability was assessed by the Self-Report Functional Measure. Circulating glucose, insulin, HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol, IL-6, and CRP levels were determined by specific enzyme or immunologic assays. Body fat was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and central obesity was estimated from abdominal sagittal diameters.


RESULTS
Lower peak aerobic capacities were associated with lower HDL-C and lower physical activity levels ( P <.014). Lower physical activity levels were associated with higher fasting glucose, lower HDL-C level, and larger abdominal sagittal diameters ( P <.036). Larger abdominal sagittal diameters were associated with higher fasting glucose, higher fasting and postload insulin, lower HDL-C, higher TG, and higher CRP levels ( P <.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Diet and exercise trials are needed to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions aimed at slowing the progression of the metabolic syndrome in people with spinal cord injury.
Manns
Patricia J
PJ
College of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA. trish.manns@ualberta.ca
McCubbin
Jeffrey A
JA
Williams
Daniel P
DP
D000005:Abdomen / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D007328:Insulin; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein