Purpose
Research indicates that persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Common cardiovascular disease risk factors include obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Persons with spinal cord injury, especially those who use wheelchairs, are also highly susceptible to obesity. This may be due to a lack of physical activity or physical activity opportunities.
This fact sheet was last updated on 12-21-2005.

The information provided in this website was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number U59/CCU522742-02 from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).