Bucholz, A.C., McGillivray, C.F., & Pencharz, P.B. (2003). Physical activity levels are low in free living adults with chronic paraplegia. Obesity Research, 11, 563-570. Research indicates that persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Common cardiovascular disease risk factors include obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Persons with spinal cord injury, especially those who use wheelchairs, are also highly susceptible to obesity. This may be due to a lack of physical activity or physical activity opportunities.