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.
Abstract—Pressure ulcers (PUs) are highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Electrical stimulation (ES) activates muscles and might reduce risk factors. Our objectives were to study and compare the effects of two duty cycles during 3 h of ES-induced gluteal and hamstring activation on interface pressure distribution in sitting individuals with SCI and study the usability of a newly developed electrode garment (ES shorts). Ten individuals with SCI participated in this study, in which two ES protocols with different duty cycles (1:1 s vs 1:4 s on-off) were applied in counterbalanced order using a custom-made garment with built-in electrodes. Outcome variables included interface pressure of the ischial tuberosities (ITs) and pressure gradient. A questionnaire was used to determine usability of the ES shorts. In both protocols, ES caused a significant decrease in average IT pressure compared with rest (no ES); on average, 35% for protocol 1:4 and 13% for protocol 1:1. The ES on-off duty cycle of protocol 1:4 showed less muscle fatigue. In general, participants scored the usability of the ES shorts as satisfactory. In this study, the application of ES resulted in a significant decrease in IT pressure. The ES on-off duty cycle of 1:4 s is recommended because of the less fatiguing effect. ES of the hamstrings and gluteal muscles might be a promising method in preventing PUs, but further study is needed.
Introduction: There are two surgical approaches to reconstruct a pressure ulcer (PU): one-stage reconstruction or two-stage reconstruction. One stage reconstruction consists of surgical debridement and flap reconstruction during one operation. Two-stage surgery consist of a surgical debridement and a final reconstruction in two different sessions, with approximately six weeks between both sessions. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of single stage surgery and two-stage surgery on the PU recurrence rate and other important post operative complications. Method: A retrospective, comparative study in Spinal Cord Injured (SCI) individuals with a single- or two stage surgical reconstruction between 2005 and 2016 was designed. A total of 81 records were included for analysis. Results: The primary outcome, the difference in occurrence of a recurrent PU in the reconstructed area (33.3% versus 31.6%), is not statistically significant between one-and two-stages reconstruction. Also, the mean duration to develop a recurrent PU between both surgical reconstructions is not statistically significant. Other surgical complications in the reconstructed area like wound hematoma, hemorrhage, seroma or (partial) flap failure did not differ significantly between both groups, apart and in total. We calculated the additional costs in case of a two-stage approach compared with a single-stage reconstruction at EUR 16,362. Conclusions: There are no statistical significant differences in PU recurrence rate or other post operative complications between SCI patients who have undergone one- or two stage PU reconstructive surgery. The most obvious choice for a one-stage approach in case of PU reconstructive surgery has great positive implications for the patient, family, health care providers and the health care system.
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Wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or amputation generally lead an inactive lifestyle, associated with reduced fitness and health. Digital interventions and sport and lifestyle applications (E-platforms) may be helpful in achieving a healthy lifestyle. Despite the potential positive effects of E-platforms in the general population, no studies are known investigating the effects for wheelchair users and existing E-platforms can not be used to the same extent and in the same manner by this population due to differences in physiology, body composition, exercise forms and responses, and risk injury. It is, therefore, our aim to adapt an existing E-platform (Virtuagym) within this project by using existing data collections and new data to be collected within the project. To reach this aim we intend to make several relevant databases from our network available for analysis, combine and reanalyze these existing databases to adapt the existing E-platform enabling wheelchair users to use it, evaluate and improve the use of the adapted E-platform, evaluate changes in healthy active lifestyle parameters, fitness, health and quality of life in users of the E-platform (both wheelchair users and general population) and identify determinants of these changes, identify factors affecting transitions from an inactive lifestyle, through an intermediate level, to an athlete level, comparing wheelchair users with the general population, and comparing Dutch with Brazilian individuals. The analysis of large datasets of exercise and fitness data from various types of individuals with and without disabilities, collected over the last years both in the Netherlands and Brazil, is an innovative and potentially fruitful approach. It is expected that the comparison of e.g. wheelchair users in Amsterdam vs. Sao Paulo or recreative athletes vs. elite athletes provides new insight in the factors determining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or amputation generally lead an inactive lifestyle, associated with reduced fitness and health. Digital interventions and sport and lifestyle applications (E-platforms) may be helpful in achieving a healthy lifestyle. Despite the potential positive effects of E-platforms in the general population, no studies are known investigating the effects for wheelchair users and existing E-platforms can not be used to the same extent and in the same manner by this population due to differences in physiology, body composition, exercise forms and responses, and risk injury. It is, therefore, our aim to adapt an existing E-platform (Virtuagym) within this project by using existing data collections and new data to be collected within the project. To reach this aim we intend to make several relevant databases from our network available for analysis, combine and reanalyze these existing databases to adapt the existing E-platform enabling wheelchair users to use it, evaluate and improve the use of the adapted E-platform, evaluate changes in healthy active lifestyle parameters, fitness, health and quality of life in users of the E-platform (both wheelchair users and general population) and identify determinants of these changes, identify factors affecting transitions from an inactive lifestyle, through an intermediate level, to an athlete level, comparing wheelchair users with the general population, and comparing Dutch with Brazilian individuals. The analysis of large datasets of exercise and fitness data from various types of individuals with and without disabilities, collected over the last years both in the Netherlands and Brazil, is an innovative and potentially fruitful approach. It is expected that the comparison of e.g. wheelchair users in Amsterdam vs. Sao Paulo or recreative athletes vs. elite athletes provides new insight in the factors determining a healthy and active lifestyle.
