Nutrients - Sci Patients

Summary:

There is a very close relationship between Nutrients (Vitamin D and Calcium) and SCI patients. Different methods have been adapted, to measure the deficiency level of these nutrients in SCI patients. The results were compared with normal population and statistically analysed. The low nutritional level in SCI patients verified the relationship as described. The study concludes that the supply of adequate vitamin D can prevent the development of certain diseases and insists on quick dietary measures for SCI patients.

Problem statement and purpose (Introduction):

The topic under consideration in the article is, “Calcium and vitamin D plasma concentration and nutritional intake status in patients with chronic spinal cord injury: A referral center report”. The purpose of the report is to highlight a much considerable issue of low nutritional levels in patients with spinal cord injury. This report determines the relationship between dietary intakes and low levels of calcium and Vitamin D in SCI patients. It has been suggested that keeping the adequate Vitamin D levels, can prevent the development of osteoporosis and may reduce the risk of fractures.

The introductory paragraph tries to set the pace of article but skips a few mandatory steps to directly relate the recommended dietary intake. The study is mainly intended for Iranian patients and was conducted through Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Review of Literature and theoretical framework:

The basic flaw in this article is the absence of Literature Review, which is an essential part of any research article.

Hypothesis or Research Questions:

The writers have failed to produce any hypothesis or research questions to be tested. This declines the credibility of paper. The paper however, suggests that adequate exposure to sunlight might reduce the deficiency of Nutrition. This section illustrates the hypothetical gap between researchers and the patients.

Sample:

Patients having SCI, referred to Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center were invited to participate in the study. Different questionnaires were used, to obtain samples. The samples obtained were in accordance with American Spinal cord Injury Association impairment scale (ASIA). The sample size however, wasn’t accurate and was relatively small and it might not reflect the true statistics of Iranian population. The findings can be generalized for Iranian population only, which in itself is a major drawback of study. The limitations that incurred were due to SCI patients with low level injuries that were excluded due to ASIA standards.

Research Design:

Research design used in this article is semi-experimental in nature with emphasis on experiment, observation and case study. But the design methodology fails to actively correspond a relation between SCI patients and Calcium and Vitamin D intake. The participants in the study were all volunteers but clarification of their rights is missing from the article.

Instruments:

Different methods have been identified for observation and collection of data, but the reasons behind such selection isn’t given. The instruments and methods used haven’t been explained either and tend to diversify the process in a complicated manner. The definition of Vitamin D deficiency has been put without prior context and no connection between data and this result is mentioned.