Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Nutritional needs for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) are inadequately addressed due to the lack of comprehensive evidence and scattered research. We established a consensus-based framework for addressing the nutritional needs of community-dwelling adults with chronic SCI who can ingest food orally. Methods: A web-based Delphi design was employed to ascertain an expert consensus. The Delphi panel consisted of physicians, registered dietitians (RDs), and researchers knowledgeable in SCI and nutrition. Informed by a literature review, 18 nutrition statements were rated by 15 panelists. The survey included statements about SCI-specific dietary energy assessments and macro- and micronutrients. Results: The response rate for the panel (N = 15) was 100%. Consensus levels, scores, stability levels, and response numbers were documented for each statement. The statements received consensus scores ranging from 4.14 to 8.13 on a 9-point Likert scale. Alternative expert comments and suggestions were also provided for each statement. Conclusion: Engaging a diverse panel of experts, the real-time Delphi process yielded expert-reviewed nutrition statements based on an extensive literature review and expert opinions. The rated statements contribute to the ongoing dialogue in SCI-specific nutrition, providing a practical resource for healthcare professionals working with adults with chronic SCI.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17091520
Authors: Ayse G. Zengul, Christine C. Ferguson, James H. Rimmer, Stacey S. Cofield, Elizabeth N. Davis, James O. Hill, Mohanraj Thirumalai
Institutions: University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine
Language: English
Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4409967338