Dissertation
Stress modulation in humans with and without spinal cord injury
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Autumn 2019
DOI: 10.17077/etd.005171
Abstract
Maintaining metabolic health in the face of physical inactivity or disability presents a clinical conundrum for health care providers and patients alike. Exploration of novel forms of stress, which induce adaptations similar to those seen with physical activity, may help ameliorate a multitude of disease processes in persons with sedentary behaviors. The aim of this thesis is to examine novel forms of stress and systematically investigate the impact mechanical (segmental vibration), physiological (volitional and induced exercise) and environmental (whole body heat stress) stressors have on humans both with and without spinal cord injury. The ability to regulate key genes for metabolic health, improve glucose homeostasis and promote adaptations that may translate into overall systemic health would prove clinically useful. Stress adaptation responses ranging from gene expression to whole body systemic processes were studied in this body of work. Appropriately prescribed stress was shown to have a powerful impact on cells from a “micro” to a “macro” scale. The impact of stress was examined and described in a diverse population, ranging from lean and non-lean individuals with and without chronic SCI. Gene signaling pathways, biomarkers of cardiometabolic and systemic health and glycemic homeostatic mechanisms were shown to be positively impacted by novel forms of stress in this study. This body of research serves as a base upon which further investigation such as chronic adaptation studies can be built. Additionally, this body of knowledge of physiological and glycemic responses to stressors may facilitate implementation of novel therapeutic strategies and better equip rehabilitation specialists for proper dosing and prescription of interventions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Stress modulation in humans with and without spinal cord injury
- Creators
- Amy Lynn Kimball
- Contributors
- Richard Shields (Advisor)Heather Bingham (Committee Member)Darren Casey (Committee Member)Philip Chen (Committee Member)Thomas Cook (Committee Member)Laura Frey Law (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2019
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.005171
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- xiv, 123 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2019 Amy Kimball
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 109-123)
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Stress imposed on an individual can lead to both positive and negative adaptations. A daily dose of stress, such as through physical activity or exercise, is known to deliver many positive benefits. Sadly, many choose not to or are unable to partake in physical activity, leaving them at risk for diseases associated with physical inactivity. Obesity, diabetes, and elevated risk for cardiovascular disease are well documented with sedentary behavior. This dissertation aims to investigate baseline metabolic differences between persons with and without spinal cord injury and the impact may have on them. We examined the acute adaptations that occur, from the cellular to the systemic level following mechanical, physiological, and environmental stressors (vibration, volitional and induced exercise, and whole body heat stress). Gene signaling pathways, biomarkers of cardiometabolic and systemic health, and improved glucose metabolism were all shown to be positively impacted by novel forms of stress in this study. Knowledge of physiological and glycemic responses to stressors may guide further research, employ novel therapeutic strategies, and better equip rehabilitation specialists for proper dosing and prescription of interventions.
- Academic Unit
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9983779395502771
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