A waist size of 94 cm or more is a reliable indicator of high heart disease risk in people with spinal cord injuries, correctly identifying all cases but sometimes flagging healthy individuals.
Scientific Claim
A waist circumference cutoff of ≥94 cm has 100% sensitivity and 79% specificity for identifying adverse cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Original Statement
“The optimal cutoff for identifying adverse CVD risk in individuals with SCI was identified as WC ≥94 cm, with 100% sensitivity and 79% specificity.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The cutoff was derived from the same sample used for analysis, without external validation, so the sensitivity and specificity may not generalize. The study design (cross-sectional) does not support definitive diagnostic claims.
More Accurate Statement
“A waist circumference cutoff of ≥94 cm is associated with 100% sensitivity and 79% specificity for identifying adverse cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with spinal cord injury in this study, though external validation is required.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Waist Circumference Is the Best Index for Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury