Study designCross-sectional study.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were (1) to validate the two recently developed SCI-specific REE equations; (2) to develop new prediction equations to predict REE in a general population with SCI.SettingUniversity, the Netherlands.MethodsForty-eight community-dwelling men and women with SCI were recruited (age: 18–75 years, time since injury: ≥12 months). Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SF-BIA) and skinfold thickness. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Personal and lesion characteristics were collected. SCI-specific REE equations by Chun et al. [1] and by Nightingale and Gorgey [2] were validated. New equations for predicting REE were developed using multivariate regression analysis.ResultsPrediction equations by Chun et al. [1] and by Nightingale and Gorgey [2] significantly underestimated REE (Chun et al.: −11%; Nightingale and Gorgey: −11%). New equations were developed for predicting REE in the general population of people with SCI using FFM measured by SF-BIA and Goosey-Tolfrey et al. skinfold equation (R2 = 0.45–0.47; SEE = 200 kcal/day). The new equations showed proportional bias (p < 0.001) and wide limits of agreement (LoA, ±23%).ConclusionsPrediction equations by Chun et al. [1] and by Nightingale and Gorgey [2] significantly underestimated REE and showed large individual variations in a general population with SCI. The newly developed REE equations showed proportional bias and a wide LoA (±23%) which limit the predictive power and accuracy to predict REE in the general population with SCI. Alternative methods for measuring REE need to be investigated.
Rationale: Predictive equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) are used in the treatment of overweight and obesity, but the validity of these equations in overweight older adults is unknown. This study evaluates which predictive REE equation is the best alternative to indirect calorimetry in overweight older adults with and without diabetes. Methods: In total 273 adults aged ≥55 years with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 were included. REE (by indirect calorimetry), body weight, body height, age, gender, and fat-free and fat mass (from air-displacement plethysmography) were measured. The measured REE was used as a reference and compared with 28 existing REE equations. The accuracy of the equations was evaluated by the percentage accurate predictions (within 10% of REE measured), the root mean squared error (RMSE), and the mean percentage difference (bias) between predicted and measured REE. Subgroup analyses were performed for type 2 diabetics (T2D) and non-T2D. Results: Mean age was 64 ± (SD 6) years, 42% had T2D (n = 116), and mean BMI was 32.8 ± (SD 4.5) with range 25–54 kg/m2. The adjusted Harris & Benedict (1984) provided the highest percentage accurate predictions in all adults (70%) and in T2D (74%), and second best in non-T2D (67%). RMSE was 184, 175 and 191 kcal/day, and bias −1.2%, −1.5% and −1.0% for all adults, T2D and non-T2D, respectively. Conclusion: For Dutch overweight older adults with and without diabetes the adjusted Harris–Benedict (1984) predictive equation for REE seems to be the best alternative to indirect calorimetry.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if using surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for paralyzed lower-limb muscles results in an increase in energy expenditure and if the number of activated muscles and duty cycle affect the potential increase.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.RESULTS: Energy expenditure during all NMES protocols was significantly higher than the condition without NMES (1.2 ± 0.2 kcal/min), with the highest increase (+ 51%; +0.7 kcal/min, 95% CI: 0.3 - 1.2) for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. A significant decrease in muscle contraction size during NMES was found with a longer stimulation time, more muscles activated or the duty cycle with a shorter rest period.CONCLUSION: Using NMES for paralyzed lower-limb muscles can significantly increase the energy expenditure compared to sitting without NMES with the highest increase for the protocol with more muscles activated and the duty cycle with a shorter rest period. Muscle fatigue occurred significantly with the more intense NMES protocols which might cause a lower energy expenditure in a longer protocol. Future studies should further optimize the NMES parameters and investigate the long-term effects of NMES on weight management in people with SCI.
While the creation of an energy deficit (ED) is required for weight loss, it is well documented that actual weight loss is generally lower than what expected based on the initially imposed ED, a result of adaptive mechanisms that are oppose to initial ED to result in energy balance at a lower set-point. In addition to leading to plateauing weight loss, these adaptive responses have also been implicated in weight regain and weight cycling (add consequences). Adaptions occur both on the intake side, leading to a hyperphagic state in which food intake is favored (elevated levels of hunger, appetite, cravings etc.), as well as on the expenditure side, as adaptive thermogenesis reduces energy expenditure through compensatory reductions in resting metabolic rate (RMR), non-exercise activity expenditure (NEAT) and the thermic effect of food (TEF). Two strategies that have been utilized to improve weight loss outcomes include increasing dietary protein content and increasing energy flux during weight loss. Preliminary data from our group and others demonstrate that both approaches - especially when combined - have the capacity to reduce the hyperphagic response and attenuate reductions in energy expenditure, thereby minimizing the adaptive mechanisms implicated in plateauing weight loss, weight regain and weight cycling. Past research has largely focused on one specific component of energy balance (e.g. hunger or RMR) rather than assessing the impact of these strategies on all components of energy balance. Given that all components of energy balance are strongly connected with each other and therefore can potentially negate beneficial impacts on one specific component, the primary objective of this application is to use a comprehensive approach that integrates all components of energy balance to quantify the changes in response to a high protein and high energy flux, alone and in combination, during weight loss (Fig 1). Our central hypothesis is that a combination of high protein intake and high energy flux will be most effective at minimizing both metabolic and behavioral adaptations in several components of energy balance such that the hyperphagic state and adaptive thermogenesis are attenuated to lead to superior weight loss results and long-term weight maintenance.
