Peak oxygen uptake in sportsmen with spinal cord injury: importance of body composition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is considered the most useful index of functional capacity, it's difficult to interpret the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In fact, VO2peak is usually normalized for total body weight, but body composition in persons with SCI largely varies depending on physical activity and time since injury, with a progressive loss of fat-free mass (FFM). This can lead to a misinterpretation of the cardiopulmonary fitness in this population.

Aim

Our study proposes a methodology of evaluation, based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which could provide more individualized and accurate data in sportsmen with SCI.

Design

Case-control study.

SUBMITTER: Gervasi SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9980559 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature