THE EFFECT OF BODY POSITION ON BIOELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURY

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of four differen t body positions on the resistance of the human body as assessed by Bi odynamics(R) Model 310 Body Composition Analyzer in a healthy populati on (Group A, n = 69) and long-term spinal cord injured (Group B, n = 1 3). Group A were tested in four body positions: supine, half-lying, st anding and sitting in a wheelchair, while Group B were tested in supin e and sitting positions. Testing order was randomized. A one-way repea ted measures analysis of variance and a paired t-test demonstrated sig nificant differences between position (p < 0.0001, Group A; p < 0.01, Group B respectively). In both groups, the greatest reduction in resis tance was demonstrated for the sitting position. These differences wer e similar for both groups, as demonstrated by covariant analysis. Regr ession analysis demonstrated that supine resistance can be accurately predicted (R(2) = 0.98) from assessments in a wheelchair. Such data tr ansformations may be indicated where supine positioning is problematic or when wheelchair assessment procedures are more appropriate.