Final answer:
An adult with paralysis from spinal cord injury likely has a reduced BMR due to loss of lean muscle mass and should be assessed individually.
Step-by-step explanation:
The BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) of an adult with paralysis due to spinal cord injury is likely to be reduced compared to an unaffected individual. Paralysis can result in loss of lean muscle mass, which in turn may decrease BMR, as muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue.
It is essential to consider that variations in BMR also depend on factors such as age, as BMR typically declines by about 2% per decade after the age of 20. Therefore, for accurate assessment, BMR should be individually calculated considering the specific health condition and body composition of the person with paralysis.