Arterial structure and function in physically active persons with spinal cord injury

We tested the hypothesis that physically active people with spinal cord injury do not have increased subclinical atherosclerosis compared with an age-matched able-bodied group. Subjects comprised 28 wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (mean age 22 (standard deviation (SD) 3) years) and 24 recreationally active aged-matched able-bodied control participants (mean age 23 (SD 3) years). Intima media thickness, arterial compliance and beta stiffness of the common carotid artery were measured using B-mode ultrasound. Aortic augmentation index was derived from applanation tonometry of the radial artery. Carotid mean intima media thickness in persons with spinal cord injury did not differ from that of controls (0.46, SD 0.07 vs 0.44, SD 0.06, p=0.94). Carotid artery beta stiffness in persons with spinal cord injury also did not differ from that of controls (4.92, SD 1.6 vs 5.70, SD 1.6, p=0.08). The augmentation index did not differ between groups (4.0% [-3.8-12.3] vs 4.5 %, [-8.0-12.0] of median and interquartile range, p=0.78). Participation in regular exercise may preserve arterial function in individuals with spinal cord injury when compared with aged-matched able-bodied participants.