VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering
Study Information
Title:
Energy costs of spasticity in spinal cord injury: A pilot investigation
Funding source:
Non-funded
PI:
David Gater
Contact:
Description:
Pharmacological spasticity reduction likely diminishes basal energy metabolism and could have significant clinical ramifications for increasing weight gain, obesity and metabolic syndrome in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). : The current proposal will assess the relationship between spasticity and relative changes in Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) in persons with spinal cord injury. Thirty-six veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) will be recruited over 9 months to participate in a prospective, 7-day baseline controlled interventional trial at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC in Richmond, VA to determine the impact of spasticity (Penn Spasm Frequency Scores and Modified Ashworth Scores) on basal energy expenditure (BEE) by comparing dependent variables in individuals with and without their usual antispasticity medications. Repeated measures ANOVA models will be used to determine if there are significant changes over time in mean BEE and Spasm/Spasticity scores, and appropriate transformations or post hoc tests employed as necessary. Understanding and planning for diminished BEE when treating spasticity would reduce the likelihood of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in this high risk population, and could potentially be utilized in other populations.
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