Body Composition and Anthropometric Assessment in Spastic Motor-Complete Spinal Cord Injury Individuals

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly motor-complete SCI, leads to profound changes in body composition and metabolic health. While often functionally limiting, spasticity may exert a protective effect by preserving muscle mass and reducing adiposity. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between lower limb spasticity, severity and anthropometric as well as body composition parameters in individuals with chronic motor-complete SCI. Methodology: Fifty individuals (aged 18–60 years) with chronic (≥1 year), traumatic, motor-complete SCI and lower limb spasticity were enrolled. Participants were stratified into mild, moderate, and severe spasticity groups based on summed Modified Ashworth Scale (ΣMAS) scores. Anthropometric measurements included waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), and body mass index (BMI). Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), measuring body fat percentage (BFP) and fat-free mass percentage (FFMP). Results: WC, WtHR, and BMI were significantly lower in the severe spasticity group compared to moderate and mild groups (p< 0.05). BFP was significantly reduced and FFMP significantly higher in individuals with severe spasticity (p< 0.001). A strong inverse correlation was observed between ΣMAS and BFP (r was –0.786; p< 0.001), and a strong positive correlation was seen with FFMP (r was 0.785; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Greater severity of lower limb spasticity in chronic motor-complete SCI is associated with more favorable anthropometric and body composition profiles. These findings suggest a potential protective role of spasticity against fat accumulation and muscle wasting in this population.