Physiological and nutrition-related challenges asperceived by spinal cord-injured endurance hand cyclists

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of spinal cord-injured (SCI) endurance hand cyclists regarding their physiological andnutrition-related challenges and the perceived impact of these challenges on nutritional intake and exercise capacity. This wasan interpretive qualitative descriptive study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adult South Africannational-level SCI endurance hand cyclists. Thematic analysis was used to explore perceptions regarding physiological andnutrition-related challenges and the impact thereof on nutritional practices and exercise capacity. Four themes emerged fromthe interviews: (i) physiological challenges experienced, (ii) nutrition-related challenges experienced, (iii) changes in nutri-tional practices, and (iv) compromised exercise capacity. The SCI endurance hand cyclists reported a number of physiologicaland nutrition-related challenges. Bowel and bladder challenges, limited hand function, muscle spasms, thermoregulatory chal-lenges, pressure sores, menstrual periods, and low iron levels/anaemia were perceived to predominantly impact food and fluidintake (restrict intake) and compromise exercise capacity. This information can assist to devise tailored guidelines aimed tooptimise fluid intake, overcome bladder challenges and ensure adequate nutritional intake in light of limited hand function