biostudies-literatureUnknown58(2)Gervasi SF<h4>Background</h4>Although peak oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2peak</inf>) 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, VO<inf>2peak</inf> 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.<h4>Aim</h4>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.<h4>Design</h4>Case-control study.<hEuropean journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine199-205https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9980559biostudies-literaturePeak oxygen uptake in sportsmen with spinal cord injury: importance of body composition.PMC9980559Gervasi SFSollazzo FPalmieri VBianco MCuccaro FOrvieto SZeppilli PfalsePeak oxygen uptake in sportsmen with spinal cord injury: importance of body composition.<h4>Background</h4>Although peak oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2peak</inf>) 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, VO<inf>2peak</inf> 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.<h4>Aim</h4>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.<h4>Design</h4>Case-control study.<h2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Apr2025-04-19T16:27:28.509Z2025-04-19T16:27:28.509ZS-EPMC99805593449883110.23736/s1973-9087.21.07028-310.23736/S1973-9087.21.07028-3