Low-Force Muscle Activity Regulates Energy Expenditure after Spinal Cord Injury.

Reduced physical activity is a primary risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have reduced activity for a lifetime, as they cannot volitionally activate affected skeletal muscles. We explored whether low force and low frequency stimulation is a viable strategy to enhance systemic energy expenditure in people with SCI. Purpose: To determine the effects of low stimulation frequency (1 Hz, 3 Hz) and stimulation intensity (50 mA and 100 mA) on energy expenditure in people with SCI. We also examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on energy expenditure during low frequency stimulation. Methods: Ten individuals with complete SCI underwent oxygen consumption monitoring during electrical activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings at 1 Hz and 3 Hz and at 50 and 100 mA. We calculated the difference in energy expenditure between stimulation and rest and estimated the number of days that would be necessary to burn 1 pound of body fat (3,500 kcal) for each stimulation protocol (1 Hz versus 3 Hz). Results: Both training frequencies induced a significant increase in oxygen consumption above a resting baseline level (p

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