

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, please contact the research coordinator listed for that particular clinical trial or complete the participation form to the right. The participation form will be forwarded to the program coordinator and you will be contacted by the appropriate person.
Principal Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT, GIT/CATEA
Study Description: Manufacturers are often interested in having their products evaluated by an independent facility with experience in seating and positioning. The purpose of this study will be to periodically clinically evaluate commercial supports and pre-production prototypes to identify indications and contra-indication of use. This study might help improve final designs before a support is marketed.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT, or call 404-350-7661.
Principal Investigator: James Krause, PhD
Study Description: This research investigates the risk factors for adverse health outcomes following spinal cord injury. Subjects will answer questions about their injury history, their health behaviors, their psychological status and their social support over a 10 year period.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Sarah Lottes or call 404-350-7581.
Principal Investigator: Kevin McCully, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine if exercise using electrical stimulation to the muscles in the legs will lead to improved glucose tolerance in people with complete SCI who either have diabetes or who are pre-diabetic.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy A. Bruce, PT, MS, NCS, or call 404-603-4611.
Principal Investigator: Sarah Morrison, PT
Study Description: The NeuroRecovery Network is a national collaboration of seven medical centers that provides an intensive clinical program of activity-based interventions to people with paralysis. Data collected from all centers enter a web-based database for analysis to optimize treatment plans. This project is funded and supported by the CDC and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Neile Manning, BSW, C-SWCM, or call 404-350-3102.
Principal Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT, GIT/CATEA
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine the life of a wheelchair cushion within real world use and to develop a valid clinical measure that can be integrated into the clinical setting to assess the point when seat cushion replacement is needed.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Julie Ray, BA, or call 404-350-7655.
Principal Investigator: David F. Apple, Jr., MD
Study Description: The Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Program is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The program began in the mid-1970s, and is recompeted every five years. Shepherd Center first received its designation as a model system for care delivery to patients with spinal cord injury in 1982 and has continued to retain the designation every since. The current cycle is 2006-2011. SCIMS has a large data collection component, and because it is the largest of the current 14 model system grantees, Shepherd makes a significant contribution to date being stored and analyzed for the entire system at the National SCI Statistical Center at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Additionally, research is conducted as part of this program, both at each individual location, and collaboratively. Currently, Shepherd Center is conducting two site specific research projects, on Seat Cushion Degradation, and on Employment After Injury. It is also collaborating with Craig Hospital on a research project on Aging with SCI, and is conducting a collaboration with five other model system grantees on the subject of Hope for Recovery After SCI.
Contact: Email Pat Duncan, BS, or call 404-350-7591.
Principal Investigator: James Krause, PhD
Study Description: This research is focused on evaluating psychological outcomes at 1 year following spinal cord injury with special attention to hope and expectation for recovery. Patients will be asked to answer questions about their life’s events, their feelings about those events, their social support, their coping methods and their personality traits. With this information it may be possible to better predict and prevent adverse psychological outcomes related to spinal cord injury.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Pat Duncan, BS, or call 404-350-7591.
Principal Investigator: Mike Jones, PhD
Study Description: The cornerstone of this project is an ongoing nationwide Survey of User Needs (SUN) on use and usability of wireless communications technology by people with disabilities. The results are used to educate the wireless industry and the general public in order to promote usability of accessible wireless devices and services for people of all ages and abilities. Additionally, we invite respondents to join our Consumer Advisory Network (CAN) whose members are periodically asked to participate in subsequent surveys, focus groups, and user testing of wireless technology.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email John Morris, PhD, or call 404-367-1348.
Principal Investigators: Mike Jones, PhD
Study Description: The cornerstone of this project is the creation and maintenance of a community website where readers can share information, post comments, and engage in dialogue about the use and usability of wireless technology by people with disabilities. In order to promote discussion and provide important information, the project team posts news items and commentary on a regular basis. Some of this material comes directly from user testing on wireless devices and services that the project team conducts with people with various disabilities. This user testing constitutes a key component of the project.
To participate in this study, you must: (these apply to the user testing only)
Contact: Email John Morris, PhD, or call 404-367-1348.
Principal Investigator: Mike Jones, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects from participation in an intensive, activity-based therapy program for individuals with chronic, motor incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI). Participants will complete 24 weeks of activity based therapy (9 hours/week) beginning with a graduated treatment protocol determined by the subject’s physical exam at the time of entry into the study. The protocol includes robotic and manual locomotor training, over ground gait training, intensive resistance and plyometric training, and development sequencing. Many of these interventions will also incorporate electrical stimulation when appropriate. Each participant will be evaluated and allocated to a specific treatment protocol based on initial walking independence, spasticity and trunk stability. (BT Grant study)
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Candy Tefertiller, DPT, NCS, or call 404-350-7788.
Co-Investigators: David Apple, MD and Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: This study is being conducted in collaboration with Craig Hospital (Rocky Mountain Regional Spinal Injury System), and five other inpatient rehabilitation programs. The purpose of the study is to figure out which SCI rehabilitation interventions are most effective for improving neurologic recovery and functional independence, return to work, social participation, and quality of life after SCI, as well as decreasing medical complications and re-hospitalization in the first year after injury.
Contact: Email Deborah Backus, PhD, PT, or call 404-350-7599.
Principal Investigator: Lesley Hudson, MA
Study Description: The knowledge dissemination and utilization (KDU) study is a subcontract to Boston University for their grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). This project involves evaluating current literature published on several topics, chosen by Shepherd Center based on the expressed need of major stakeholders in SCI (the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA). The information from this review of the literature will be disseminated to stakeholders to help educate and inform them about the evidence regarding particular topics.
Contact: Email Lesley Hudson, MA, or call 404-350-7582.
Principal Investigator: Elisabeth Burgess, PhD
Study Description: The goals of this study are to examine how younger marital and cohabiting couples negotiate their relationship following SCI and to examine how their interactions with practitioners influence their experiences in the first months following injury. Additionally, the study seeks to understand how practitioners work with couples following injury. Interviews with counselors, chaplains, physicians, case workers, and educators who work with patients and partners are also sought.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Alexis Bender, MA, or call 678-595-4080.
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how a device that combines active movement of the wrist and hand with simultaneous proprioceptive feedback affects function of the wrist and hand in people with tetraplegia.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger, or call 404-350-7397.
Principal Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT, GIT/CATEA
Study Description: A prototype wound measurement device is being tested by the wound specialty nurse. This hand-held device determines and captures wound boundaries to provide a digital documentation of wound progression.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Cathy Koerner, RN, or call 404-350-3105.
Principal Investigator: Candy Tefertiller, DPT, NCS
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine if a protocol of intensive strengthening of lower extremity muscles impaired by a spinal cord injury (SCI) along with plyometric training will improve the quality and speed of walking for those individuals who have sustained a motor incomplete SCI. Participants in this study will complete three exercise sessions per week for a 12 week period of intensive strengthening and plyometric training. The quality and speed of over ground gait will be assessed prior to and after completion of the 12 week protocol for each participant.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Candy Tefertiller, DPT, NCS, or call 404-350-7780.
Principal Investigator: Maysam Ghovanloo, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance, user acceptability, and usability of the "Tongue Drive" assistive technology in accessing a personal computer and controlling a powered wheelchair.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy A. Bruce, PT, MS, NCS, or call 404-603-4611.
Principal Investigators: Kimberly Anderson, PhD, UC Irvine, Deborah Backus, PhD, PT, Shepherd Center
Study Description: This project, led by Kimberly Anderson, PhD, at the University of California, Irvine, is a collaborative effort that will assess the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) in measuring functional ability in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) during their acute rehabilitation.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger, or call 404-350-7397
Principal Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT, GIT/CATEA
Study Description: Understanding how wheelchairs and cushions are used is important for many reasons. Prescriptions can be improved, designs can reflect actual use and policy can be written to reflect use. This project will place sensors on your wheelchair and/or cushion for one week to monitor use.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth or call 404-350-7661, or email Sharon Sonenblum or call 404-385-0633.
Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Ardolino, PT, MS; Magee Rehabilitation
Study Description: The Activity-based Balance Level Evaluation (ABLE Scale) is a new tool to measure balance in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It is being created by the balance committee of the NeuroRecovery Network (NRN). This new scale combines items from other balance tools currently being used, with new sitting and walking items. The scale now needs to be tested to find out if any more changes are needed.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT, or call 404-350-7681.
Principal Investigators: Kevin McCully, PhD, Deborah Backus, PhD, PT, Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: This study is an addition to the study #467: “The Effect of Electrically Stimulated Bike Training on Neurological Control of Cardiovascular Function In Individuals with Incomplete Tetraplegia: A Pilot Study” and involves measuring blood flow in the arms and legs of individuals with incomplete SCI who participate in the FES bike study. All tests will be made at the beginning and at the end of the training program. The only subjects that will be accepted for these measurements will be those who are enrolled in study #467.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Deborah Backus, PhD, PT, or call 404-350-7599.
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
This study will investigate the variations in heart rate in people with both acute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), in order to see the effects of the SCI on control of the heart by the autonomic nervous system in people with tetraplegia (C5-T1).
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email: Alisen Martin or Megan Hector.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) is a set of tests designed to determine how much control the brain has over the spinal cord following spinal cord injury (SCI). This is done by measuring the electrical activity in muscles during specific testing procedures. These recordings may also help us design more specific treatment plans for different patients.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy A. Bruce, PT, MS, NCS, or call 404-603-4611.
Principal Investigator: Tai Wang, PhD, Georgia State University
Study Description: Studies have shown encouraging results in rehabilitation settings to analyze movement and provide real-time feedback to patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of immediate video feedback for learning advanced manual wheelchair skills.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT, or call 404-350-7661.
Principal Investigators: Ellen Yi-Luen Do, PhD, Georgia Tech and Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to see if a novel device called the Mobile Music Touch (MMT) can be used to improve hand function in people with tetraplegia due to SCI. The MMT uses the sense of touch to teach how to play musical instruments. The system consists of two main parts: 1.) a lightweight, wireless tactile glove, with one small vibration motor for each finger, and 2.) an associated computing device such as a cell phone, MP3 player, or computer. Volunteers will train 3 times a week (1 hour each session) for 4 weeks, and will be evaluated for sensory and motor improvements.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kevin Huang or call 864-506-6027.
Principal Investigator: Ismari Clesson, RN
Study Description: The primary objective of this study is to determine the level of acceptance of the test male external catheter (Test MEC), as a urinary collection device, to the current users of everyday and extended wear latex male external catheters (MECs). The secondary objectives are to evaluate the following areas: urine leakage, ease of application and removal, and skin irritation.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Ismari Clesson, RN, or call 404-350-7651.
Principal Investigators: Ismari Clesson, RN
Study Description: The primary objective of this study is to determine how completely the test intermittent catheter drains the bladder of subjects who use the currently marketed gel catheter Advance™ Plus. The amount of residual urine is estimated using a second catheterization. The secondary objectives are safety and subject acceptability.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Ismari Clesson, RN, or call 404-350-7651.
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how people with poor movement control in their arms and hands, secondary to incomplete spinal cord Injury (SCI) or apraxia (due to stroke or head injury), perform a task on a device called the Rejoyce. In addition, we will see how performance on the game-like tasks in this study relates to how the brain is functioning.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) is a set of tests designed to determine how much control the brain has over the spinal cord following spinal cord injury (SCI). This is done by measuring the electrical activity in muscles during specific testing procedures. The recordings for this study will be taken while the participant is either standing or walking in the Lokomat®. Using these recordings gives us a more refined assessment of how the brain can control spinal cord function after SCI and may help us design more specific treatment plans for different patients.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, ABD, NCS or call 404-603-4611.
Principal Investigator: Janelle Foote, MD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to gather information about the long-term safety and effectiveness of BOTOX® injections into the bladder in patients with accidental loss of urine due to neurogenic overactive bladder. This is an extension study offered to the remaining participants of an original Allergan protocol. This study will gather additional safety and efficacy data.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Emial Nell “Winnie” Klein or call 404-367-1307.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: This study will examine reflexes simultaneously in multiple muscles of the lower extremities of subjects with or without spinal cord injury (SCI). These reflexes will result from electrical stimulation of the spinal nerve roots in the low back while a subject is lying down and then while he is standing or stepping in the robotic gait orthosis called the Lokomat®. The reflexes will be recorded with standard electromyography (EMG) electrodes over multiple leg muscles. We will analyze these reflexes in order to understand how positional changes affect motor function in patients with SCI compared to subjects without SCI. This study will serve as a foundation for additional studies examining the effects of locomotor training on lower extremity function in persons with spinal cord injury.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, ABD, NCS, or call 404-603-4611
RT @UndergroundATL: @ShepherdCenter w MS Leadership Class. Fascinating facility w extraordinary patients.