The unique fitness data for individuals with spinal cord disabilities reveal a higher prevalence of elevated skinfold measures, lower overall strength levels with age-related improvements, potential compensatory upper body strength, and no significant differences when adjusting for body weight.
Statement 1: Two-thirds of the subjects had skinfold measures greater than the medians for their age and gender norms.
This statement suggests that a significant portion (two-thirds) of the individuals with spinal cord disabilities have higher skinfold measures compared to the average for their age and gender. Skinfold measures are often used to assess body fat percentage, and this finding indicates a potential tendency towards higher body fat levels in this population.
Statement 2: The subjects generally performed lower on the strength measures but showed the same general trend of increased performance with age.
This statement implies that individuals with spinal cord disabilities tend to exhibit lower strength measures compared to the general population. However, there is a positive trend of increased strength with age, suggesting that as individuals with spinal cord disabilities age, their strength levels also improve, albeit from a lower baseline.
Statement 3: The subjects had greater upper body strength measures than subjects without impairments.
This statement contradicts common expectations, as it suggests that individuals with spinal cord disabilities have greater upper body strength than those without impairments. This finding challenges stereotypes and may indicate that individuals with spinal cord injuries develop compensatory strength in their upper bodies.
Statement 4: With corrections for differences in body weight, there were no actual differences among individuals with and without spinal cord injuries.
This statement suggests that when adjusting for differences in body weight, there are no significant differences between individuals with and without spinal cord injuries. This implies that any observed variations may be attributed to weight-related factors rather than the spinal cord injury itself.