Energy cost of lower body dressing, pop-over transfers, and manual wheelchair propulsion in people with paraplegia due to motor-complete spinal cord injury

Model System:

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

Journal:

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study determined the energy expenditure associated with several basic physical tasks among individuals with paraplegia due to motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Sixteen adults with motor-complete SCI below T2 level and duration of paraplegia greater than 3 months were included. Oxygen consumption (Vo2), caloric expenditure, and heart rate were measured at rest and while participants performed lower-body dressing (LBD), pop-over transfers (POTs), and manual wheelchair propulsion (MWP) at a self-selected pace. These data were used to calculate energy expenditure in standard metabolic equivalents (METs). Results indicated that resting Vo2 for adults with motor-complete paraplegia is lower than standard resting Vo2 in able-bodied individuals. Progressively more energy is required to perform MWP, LBD, and POTs, respectively. Use of the standard METs formula may underestimate the level of intensity an individual with SCI uses to perform physical activities.

Author(s):

Participating Centers: