Upper-body interval training in persons with chronic paraplegia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The impact of upper-body high-intensity interval training on postprandial metabolic control in persons with chronic paraplegia

• IRAS ID

  248831

• Contact name

  James Bilzon

• Contact email

  j.bilzon@bath.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Bath

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 11 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Individuals with a spinal cord individual (SCI) have a higher mortality rate than non-disabled populations, largely explained by a higher prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g. cardiometabolic syndrome). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a mode of exercise that may be an effective solution to improving cardiometabolic health and the prevalence of chronic disease, but has yet to be investigated in persons with chronic paraplegia (paralysis of the lower extremities, > 12 months post-injury).
  To investigate the potential of an acute HIIT bout at improving postprandial metabolism, this study will recruit 11 physically inactive adults with chronic paraplegia (SCI below T6). The study will involve a total of 4 visits to the laboratory (1 x ~2.5 hours; 3 x 8 hours). For all visits, we will ask participants to arrive following an overnight fast (> 10 hours). In visit 1, we will assess body composition (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and peak aerobic capacity, in addition to performing a shortened HIIT familiarisation session. Participants will be sent away with a physical activity monitor to wear for 1 week, and asked to return to check eligibility for visits 2-4. Eligible participants will then complete 3 trials in a randomised-cross over design; performing either; HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous exercise MICT on an arm-crank ergometer, or a resting control condition. A cannula will be inserted into a vein in the forearm and participants will be fed a mixed-macronutrient meal. Regular blood samples will be taken for the following 6 h whilst participant’s rest in bed.

• REC name

  South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  19/SW/0021

• Date of REC Opinion

  5 Mar 2019

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion