Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trials

SCI results in higher incidence of heart disease and diabetes and heart disease is the most common cause of death. Chronic inflammation, deleterious changes in vascular structure and impaired glucose metabolism are risk factors that contribute to both heart disease and diabetes. While exercise can help reduce these risk factors, paralysis and impaired accessibility often precludes exercise in persons with SCI. New research in able-bodied persons demonstrates passive heating decreases inflammation and improves vascular function. Similar studies in persons with SCI suggest they may also have the same health benefits however these studies only investigated the impact of short term (one episode) passive heating (as opposed to repeated bouts). Repeated bouts of heat exposure will likely be required to impact chronic inflammation, but this has never been tested in persons with SCI. This study will test the impact of repeated bouts (3x/week) of passive heat stress over a longer term (8 weeks) on inflammation, metabolism and vascular function. Read Less

This trial will investigate the safety and utility of spinal cord neuromodulation to improve urinary bladder function in the context of spinal cord injury. Read Less

The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of an integrated, participant-centered tele-health physical activity program for individuals with SCI on psychological and social factors through a parallel mixed-methods design approach. We will examine changes in psychological (self-efficacy, self-esteem, exercise outcome expectations, depression, positive affect and well-being, quality of life) and social factors (participation and satisfaction with social roles and activities, activity engagement) following participation in an 8-week integrated group tele-exercise health and wellness physical activity program, with retention assessed at 8-weeks following completion (16 weeks from baseline). We will also complete small group interviews with all participants to understand participant experiences of, response to, and recommendations before and following participation in group tele-exercise program. To date, there is extremely limited evidence for the efficacy of psychological and social well-being of remotely delivered community-based exercise to individuals with SCI. A pilot effectiveness trial of a tele-exercise health and wellness program will be conducted using a mixed methods design with a randomized waitlist control group. Quantitative and qualitative data collection is sequential in nature and other data are collected simultaneously. Individuals with SCI (living with injury 12 months or longer) will be recruited based on existing partnerships locally and nationally. To assess limited effectiveness, we aim to enroll 35 individuals with SCI. Recruitment of these participants will stem from the investigator's ongoing community partnership with local and national partners. The tele-exercise health & wellness program will consist of virtual group class, twice per week, intended to generate physical confidence and strength for individuals living with SCI. Each session will be co-led with by an individual living with SCI. Read Less

This research study is being done to test a new device developed for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The purpose of this study is to collect data on how the nervous system signals travel within the spinal cord of SCI patients. Once the investigators understand that, they hope to develop a device that may help rehabilitation of SCI patients so that they can regain function in their lower limbs. This study involves some imaging studies (e.g. X-rays etc.), surgical implantation of a portion of the electrical stimulation device, various assessments of body function (e.g. balance, movement, gait), and physical rehabilitation procedures. What is new and experimental is the stimulation/sensing device (Intelligent Spine Interface - Commercial, ISI-C) that will be implanted. Read Less

The NACTN Spinal Cord Injury Registry is a network of clinical centers collecting de-identified data from patients admitted through the Emergency Department of a NACTN center at the time of injury with an initial (first time) spinal cord injury (SCI). Information will be collected on the natural history of SCI and course of treatment through the first 12 months from the date of injury or long as medically indicated. Data collected includes imaging information from CT or MRI scans, neurological and general medical outcome and rehabilitation evaluation. No intervention is given other than standard of care for spinal cord injury, intensive monitoring and frequent follow up care. Read Less