The impact of physical activity level on bone mineral density and serum concentrations of bone remodeling markers in individuals with quadriplegia

• Grant number: 24/15089-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Claudia Regina Cavaglieri
• Grantee: Bruno de Gioia Fernandes Lapa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Educação Física (FEF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACTSpinal cord injury (SCI) causes several changes to the body, one of the most significant being the reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) due to disuse, however physical exercise has been shown to be effective in increasing BMD in healthy individuals. Nonetheless, there is a lack of studies that characterize the relationship between the level of physical activity and circulating serum markers of bone remodeling. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to characterize the impact of physical activity level and total energy expenditure on BMD and circulating serum markers of bone remodeling in individuals with quadriplegia. The study will involve male participants with SCI at the level of quadriplegia and control group (without SCI), divided into four groups: physically active SCI (SCI-PA), irregularly active SCI (SCI-IA), physically active control, and control irregularly active. Serum concentrations of vitamin D, calcium, Receptor Activator of nuclear factor kappa B-ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) will be analyzed using the ELISA method. Additionally, assessments will be made for total energy expenditure (TEE) over 24 hours, BMD measurement via DEXA, fracture risk calculation using the FRAX® method, application of physical activity level questionnaires (Godin Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire), and measure of functional independence (MFI), maximum oxygen consumption, and resting metabolic rate. It is hypothesized that there is a positive relationship between a higher level of physical activity and total energy expenditure with increase BMD values and serum markers of bone remodeling in individuals with quadriplegia.