Diet and Exercise Solutions to Postprandial Hypotension

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 13 participants with chronic spinal cord injury to test the effect of diets with high or low glycemic loads and post-meal lower-body electrical stimulation exercises on blood pressure. Glycemic load is a measure that estimates how much a food will raise a person’s blood glucose level after eating. Electrical stimulation is applied through the skin to activate nerves and induce contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. If included, participants will complete three study sessions in random order, receiving: (1) a high glycemic load meal (control group); (2) a low glycemic load meal; and (3) a high glycemic load meal followed by 1 hour of lower-body electrical stimulation exercises after eating. Final testing of blood pressure response will be performed after 3 days.