

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: James Krause, PhD - Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
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 - University of Georgia
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 Kathy Kreger, or call 404-350-7397.
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: 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 - Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
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 Nicholas Evans, MHSc, or call 404-350-7788.
Principal Investigator: Mike Jones, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to measure changes in daily activity levels following participation in an intensive, activity based therapy program for individuals with chronic, neurologically incomplete spinal cord injury.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Nicholas Evans, MHSc, ACSM HFS, or call 404-350-7788.
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: Mike Jones, PhD
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 Nicholas Evans,MHSc, ACSM HFS, or call 404-350-7788.
Principal Investigator: Stephen Sprigle, PhD, PT - Georgia Institue of Technology/Center for Assistive Technology & Environmental Access (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 Susan Perlman or call 404-894-2861
Principal Investigators: Kevin McCully, PhD - Univeristy of Georgia; Co-Investigators: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT and 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: 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 Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS, or call 404-603-4611.
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 test can be useful in understanding how spinal cord motor control is altered in cauda equina and conus medullaris injuries where sensory information and processing may be affected and motor output may be altered. This done is by measuring the electrical activity in muscles during specific testing procedures.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT, or call 404-350-7681.
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, PhD, NCS or call 404-603-4611.
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 test can be useful in understanding how spinal cord motor control is altered in cauda equina and conus medullaris injuries where sensory information and processing may be affected and motor output may be altered. This done is by measuring the electrical activity in muscles during specific testing procedures in the Lokomat.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.
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, PhD, NCS, or call 404-603-4611
Principal Investigator: Kim Davis, MSPT, ATP
Study Description: This study will develop an evidence-based clinical guideline for the use of interface pressure mapping. Evidence-based means that the guideline will be based on objective research testing. The guideline will also inform clinicians how to best interpret or read the pressure mapping findings for each client. Participation will involve interface pressure mapping on two seat cushions, using three different pressure mapping systems for multiple trials. Each person who participates in the study will be offered a $25 stipend in appreciation for their time.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Cami Godsey or call 404-350-7655.
Principal Investigator: Sharon Sonenblum, PhD - Georgia Institute of Technology
Study Description: The purpose of the study is to measure the relationship between pressure ulcer history and real-world pressure relief (PR) behaviors (weight shifts) in persons with SCI. Participants will sit on a pressure mat and spend 1-2 weeks with the PR monitor attached to their wheelchair cushion. During this time it will record information on your pressure relief behaviors. Researchers will compare pressure relief behaviors in people with and without a history of recurrent pressure ulcers.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.
Principal Investigator: Sharon Sonenblum, PhD - Georgia Institute of Technology
Study Description: The goal of this project is to develop a guide for clinicians to choose the best pressure relief cushion and schedule for each person with a SCI. This will be done by measuring the relationship between pressure ulcer risk factors and the response of buttock tissue to weight in persons with SCI. Participants will also be followed to document any pressure ulcers that develop and relate that to the response of their buttock tissue to loading.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.
Principal Investigator: Sharon Sonenblum, PhD - Georgia Institute of Technology
Study Description: The goal of this study is to measure the effectiveness of partial and complete pressure relief maneuvers (weight shifts). Two sensors will be attached to the sitting bones on the buttocks to measure blood flow and the pressures around the sitting bones. For the next hour, participants will be asked to alternate between sitting without any movement and performing specific weight shifts. We will periodically lift participants out of the chair with the overhead lift in order to fully unload the buttocks.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.
Principal Investigator: Gerald Bilsky, MD
Study Description: We are doing this research project to determine how bladder management is actually being performed once female patients are discharged from inpatient SCI rehabilitation. Surveys will be mailed to female paraplegic patients who were discharged from Shepherd Center SCI inpatient program within the last 5 years. The purpose of this survey is to obtain the patient’s perspective on most effective bladder management techniques.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Jennifer Long, OTR/L or call 404-350-7695.
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: To understand the role physical activity and diet play in maintaining the health of people with SCI.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kevin McCully, PhD or call 706-542-1129.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: This study will examine the affects of constant electrical stimulation on the stepping of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Surface electrical stimulation will be applied over the lumbar spine area during standing or stepping in the robotic gait orthosis, called the Lokomat®. Muscle activity and its changes will be recorded and analyzed with standard electromyography (EMG) electrodes over multiple leg muscles.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS or call 404-603-4611.
Principal Investigator: Randy Trumbower, PT, PhD - Emory University; Co-investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether breathing air with low oxygen levels for brief periods (termed intermittent hypoxia) will improve leg function after spinal cord injury. Improvements in leg function may show the ability of the nervous system to strengthen neural pathways based on new experiences. To test this possibility, this study will determine if mild intermittent hypoxia results in long-lasting improvement of leg strength and walking in persons with incomplete spinal injury.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to use a research version of the Lokomat’s assessment tool, L-Stiff, to measure spasticity at the hip and knee joints in people with spinal cord injury and. The resistance to moving each joint is recorded by the Lokomat, and the muscle activity will be recorded using electromyography (EMG) on the legs. These results will be compared to results found with current clinical tests of spasticity.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, PhD - The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis; Co-Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether exercise alone, or the combination of exercise and diet with professional support, will reduce body weight and decrease the risk of developing diabetes. Participants will either perform a supervised exercise program for 6 months, or will both participate in a supervised 6-month exercise program and receive nutritional counseling and professional support.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.
Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Sasso, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the health and fitness benefits of a home-based design for an arm circuit resistance training (CRT) program. This exercise program was designed to provide people with spinal cord injury (SCI) an affordable, accessible, and effective means to exercise. Body weight, percent body fat, blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and presence of shoulder pain will be evaluated.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Elizabeth Sasso, PT, or call 404-350-7551.
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if training with sensory stimulation combined with repeated movements will improve the way a person with tetraplegia feels in their wrist and hand, how much they feel, and if this feeling will affect tasks used in everyday life. Participants will undergo sensory and motor testing one day before and one after a training period, and will participate in 5 consecutive days of training on a device that combines vibration and repeated movement of the wrist and hand and testing (total 7 days).
To participate in this study, you must either :
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397
Principal Investigator: Deborah Backus, PhD, PT Collaborator: Lewis Wheaton, PhD - Georgia Institute of Technology
Study Description: To develop and analyze a tool to assess arm muscle activity patterns during a grasping task. This tool will use surface electromyography to compare timing, strength, and duration of specific muscle activity patterns in persons who have chronic, motor complete tetraplegia with those who are able-bodied. This tool may then be used to categorize movement by the level and severity of cervical SCI.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.
Principal Investigator: Peter Gorman, MD – Kernan Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Institute; Co-Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The goal of this research is to understand the effects of aquatic therapy and robotically-assisted locomotor training on the Lokomat on walking ability and cardiovascular fitness in individuals with chronic, motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Each participant will receive one of these 2 therapies 3 times/week for 3 months and then switch to receive the other therapy 3 times/week for 3 months. Participants must commit 7 months to this study.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT, or call 404-350-7681.
Principal Investigator: Ismari Clesson, RN
Study Description: To test an intermittent catheter design of different lengths.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Amy Murphy, RN, or call 404-350-7651.
Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD
Study Description: The purpose of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of a new clinical and research tool for spinal cord injuries, the Phase System (version II). This tool was developed by the NeuroRecovery Network to classify severity of SCI and to measure behavioral and functional recovery across a broad range of SCIs.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Anneke Bender, PT or call 404-603-4617.
Principal Investigator: Michael Hales, PhD; Kennesaw State University Co-Investigator: Nicholas Evans, MHSc
Study Description: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic and/or resistance training on joint stresses and movement efficiency of the arms while pushing a manual wheelchair in persons with paraplegia. This study may help researchers identify the best type of exercise for preventing injury to the arms and shoulders of this group of individuals.
To participate in this study, you must:
Contact: Email Nicholas Evans, MHSc or call 404-590-9565.
Who else enjoyed @CobbiesSauce sliders @JCTKitchen with us last night? Proceeds benefitted @ShepherdCenter!