The Impact of Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment in a Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Comparative Case Series.

Introduction: This study is a prospective comparative case series analysing the differential impacts of a therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) on individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their caregivers. The primary objective was to assess changes across several health metrics predictive of cardio metabolic disease (CMD), fitness, and quality of life, in dyadic partners and between 2 separate cases.

Case Presentation: SCI participants and their respective caregivers, forming 10 dyads, were included in the study. Dyads were randomly assigned to two distinct case scenarios: Case 1, where both dyadic partners received TLI; and Case 2, where only the SCI partner received the intervention. Each case series comprised five dyads. TLI constituted a rigorous 6-month program consisting of exercise, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, and behavioural support. Across cases, notable improvements were observed in body mass, and strength among SCI partners; and reductions in body mass and fasting glucose, and improved mental well-being was observed in caregiver partners. Dyadic interaction analysis found that insulin, HOMA, HDL, and mental health improvements in SCI were strongly linked to improvements in caregiver when both dyadic partners received TLI.

Conclusion: We conclude that TLI co-treatment for dyadic partners, including exercise, nutrition, and behaviour modification, improves health outcomes related to CMD risks and quality of life in both populations.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered August 2, 2016.