Determinants of lung volumes in chronic spinal cord injury

Evan L. Stepp, Robert Brown, Carlos G. Tun, David R. Gagnon, Nitin B. Jain, Eric Garshick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To characterize determinants of lung volumes in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: VA Boston Healthcare System. Participants: White men (N=330) with chronic SCI. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Questionnaire responses and measurements of lung volumes. Results: Adjusted for SCI severity and stature, greater body mass index (BMI) was associated (all P<.05) with lower total lung capacity (TLC) (-38.7mL·kg-1·m-2), functional residual capacity (FRC) (-73.9mL·kg-1·m-2), residual volume (RV) (-40.4mL·kg-1·m-2), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) (-32.2mL·kg-1·m -2). The effect of BMI on RV was most pronounced in quadriplegia (-72mL·kg-1·m-2). Lifetime smoking was associated with a greater FRC (5.3mL/pack-year) and RV (3.1mL/pack-years). The effects of lifetime smoking were also greatest in quadriplegia (11mL/pack-year for FRC; 7.8mL/pack-year for RV). Time since injury, independent of age, was associated with a decrease in TLC, FRC, ERV, and RV (P<.05). Age was not a predictor of TLC once time since injury was considered. Conclusions: Determinants of FRC, TLC, ERV, and RV in chronic SCI include factors related and unrelated to SCI. The mechanisms remain to be determined but likely involve the elastic properties and muscle function of the respiratory system and perhaps the effects of systemic inflammation related to adiposity. Addressing modifiable factors such as obesity, muscle stiffness, and smoking may improve respiratory morbidity and mortality in SCI by improving pulmonary function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1499-1506
Number of pages8
JournalArchives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Volume89
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Body mass index
  • Lung volume measurements
  • Rehabilitation
  • Spinal cord injuries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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