Food Intake and Thermogenesis in High Spinal Cord Injury

Food Intake and Thermogenesis in High Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of food on cardiovascular and metabolic health in men with and without spinal cord injury (SCI).

Inclusion Criteria:

SCI and Controls

• Men
• Physically inactive (<150 minutes per week of moderate-vigorous activity intensity for the preceding 3 months)
• Weight stable: body mass ±3 kilograms (kg) for past 3 months

SCI Only

• Chronic SCI (≥ 1-year post-injury)
• Motor-complete SCI American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and B
• T6 injuries and above that can independently feed themselves

Exclusion Criteria:

SCI and Controls

• Uncompensated thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Swallowing or gastrointestinal pathologies
• Allergies or aversions to foods/ingredients
• Prescribed prokinetic, antipsychotic, or anti-obesity agents

SCI Only

• Incomplete SCI AIS C or D
• Ventilator-dependent