Similar fat and carbohydrate oxidation in response to arm cycling exercise in persons with spinal cord injury versus able-bodied

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.

Keywords:

• Fuel utilization
• Respiratory exchange ratio
• Blood lactate concentration
• Metabolic health

Acknowledgements

The Authors appreciate the participants for taking part in the studies as well as the assistance of students who helped in data collection.

Conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).