Using environmental stimuli to improve cardiometabolic health in persons with spinal cord injury

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Sven Hoekstra delivers a seminar on their research - 

The hallmarks of spinal cord injury (SCI) are paralysis below the lesion level, muscle atrophy and autonomic dysfunction. Persons ageing with SCI are also at an increased risk for developing cardiometabolic disorders. This may be related to the reduced physical activity and daily energy expenditure found in this population, but our research also indicates a role for SCI-specific alterations in for example incretin and vascular physiology.

Preventative strategies have traditionally focused on physical activity and to a lesser extent diet. However, achieving sufficient levels of physical activity is often not feasible, while a recent systematic review from our group suggests limited efficacy of diet interventions in persons with SCI. Thus, alternative strategies in long-term rehabilitation care are warranted. Here I will discuss our studies and the potential of passive heat therapy, cold therapy and remote ischaemic conditioning to improve cardiometabolic health and physical capacity in persons with SCI.

Arrivals from 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon start. For those joining in-person, lunch will be served from 1:00pm.

This event is hybrid format, please use the required booking button at the bottom of the page to choose either in-person or online attendance.
(Please note that in-person spaces are limited and booking is required, so we can manage numbers for catering and also the space inside International House)

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.