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Current Research Studies (Volunteers Needed)

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.

Risk of adverse outcomes after SCI: a longitudinal study [361]

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:

Have had a spinal cord injury over at least 1 year duration
Be over age 18 at the time of enrollment

Contact: Email Sarah Lottes or call 404-350-7581.

Muscle plasticity, fitness and health after SCI: improving glucose tolerance [367]

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:

Be 18 – 39 years old
C6-T10
AIS A or B
Have a normal range of motion about the hip, knee and ankle joints
Have diabetes or pre-diabetes since the injury

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger, or call 404-350-7397.

Evaluation of a NeuroRecovery Network (NRN) for functional, health, and quality of life improvements after SCI [383]

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:

Have a motor incomplete SCI (AIS C-D)with movement in the legs
Have an SCI at T10 or above (an upper motor neuron injury)
Have completed inpatient rehabilitation
Be willing to attempt to wean off of anti-spasmodic medications
Not have had botox in the last 3 months

Contact: Email Neile Manning, BSW, C-SWCM, or call 404-350-3102.

The Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Program [398]

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.

Psychological status during inpatient rehabilitation and 1 year after onset: stress, coping, and expectation-hope for recovery [408]

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:

Traumatic SCI admitted to Shepherd within 4 months of injury
Be over age 18 at time of enrollment
Patients with cognitive impairment will not be included

Contact: Email Pat Duncan, BS, or call 404-350-7591.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies - Facilitating user centered research: The Consumer Advisory Network [410]

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:

Be 18 years of age or older
people with any type of disability
all levels of impairment (from minimal to considerable)

Contact: Email John Morris, PhD, or call 404-367-1348.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technology (Wireless RERC) - Customer-driven usability assessment [414]

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)

Be age 18 and older
Some form of disability or limitation in physical or cognitive ability (vision, hearing, speaking, dexterity, mobility, cognition)

Contact: Email John Morris, PhD, or call 404-367-1348.

Evaluating the effects of an activity-based therapeutic exercise program for individuals with SCI - "ACTION Trial" [418]

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:

Upper motor neuron, above T10-11, motor incomplete SCI (AIS C-D)
Be 18-55 years of age at enrollment
At least one year post injury
Preserved tendon reflexes

Contact: Email Nicholas Evans, MHSc, or call 404-350-7788.

The Effects of an Activity-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program on Daily Activity Levels for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. [418E]

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:

Have a spinal cord injury with AIS C-D
SCI must be an upper motor neuron injury (typically above T10)
SCI must be at least 1 year post injury
Be 18-55 years of age at enrollment
Be motivated to participate with history of compliance

Contact: Email Nicholas Evans, MHSc, ACSM HFS, or call 404-350-7788.

Phase I Trial — Rehabilitation from spinal cord injury (SCI) with enhanced proprioceptive feedback - "AMES Study" [448]

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:

C4-C6 tetraplegia
AIS C or D
1 year post-SCI
Can feel the direction of joint(s) motion of the wrist and hand the majority of times tested
Some ability to move the wrist and hand

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger, or call 404-350-7397.

The effect of combined resistance and plyometric training on locomotor recovery following incomplete SCI [455]

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:

Between 18-39 years of age
Incomplete cervical (C1-C8) SCI more than 1 year ago
Able to walk 50 feet with only one person assist and/or assistive device
Demonstrate self-selected gait speed during 10m walk test less than 0.8m/s

Contact: Email Nicholas Evans,MHSc, ACSM HFS, or call 404-350-7788.

The use of wheelchairs, wheelchair cushions and other mobility assistive devices in everyday life [463]

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:

be 18 or older
use a wheelchair or other mobility assistive device.

Contact: Email Susan Perlman or call 404-894-2861

Vascular Health after FES in Spinal Cord Injury [466]

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:

C5-T1 tetraplegia
AIS C
1 year post-SCI

Contact: Email Deborah Backus, PhD, PT, or call 404-350-7599.

The Brain Motor Control Assay (BMCA) - Using Standard Electromyographic Techniques to Test Supraspinal Control of Spinal Cord Function in Spinal Cord Injury [468]

Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD

To participate in this study, you must:

Be male
Be age 18-59 years old
Either have an intact neurological system or have a spinal cord injury between T2 and T10
Have time since spinal cord injury 6-24 months
Have any ASIA Impairment Scale (A, B, C, D, or E)

Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS, or call 404-603-4611.

The Brain Motor Control Assay (BMCA) – Using Standard Electromyographic Techniques to Test Nerve Root Control of Spinal Cord Function in Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris Injuries [468 Addendum]

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:

Be age 18-59
Have a level of SCI at vertebral T10 or lower
Have a time since injury > 18 months
Have AIS of injury be A, B, C, or D
Have full and pain free motion at the hips, knees and ankles

Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT, or call 404-350-7681.

The effects of sensory, motor and perceptual impairments on upper extremity motor performance with the REJOYCE system [482]

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:

Have apraxia due to a stroke or head injury, or incomplete tetraplegia due to a traumatic SCI that leads to an inability to use at least one arm or hand effectively
Be 18-65 years old
Have greater than 6 months post-stroke or head injury, or greater than 1 year post-SCI

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.

The Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) – evaluating supraspinal control of spinal cord function in spinal cord injury during standing and testing in the Lokomat® [483]

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:

be male
be 18-59 years old
either have an intact neurological system or have a spinal cord injury between T2 and T10
have time since spinal cord injury of 6 – 24 months
have any ASIA Impairment Scale (A, B, C, D, or E)

Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS or call 404-603-4611.

The Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) – Evaluating standard electromyographic techniques to test nerve root control of spinal cord function in cauda equina and conus medullaris injuries during standing and testing in the Lokomat ® [483 - Addendum]

Principal Investigator: Keith Tansey, MD, PhD

To participate in this study, you must:

Be 18-59 years old
Have a vertebral injury at T10 or below
Time since injury > 18 months
Have AIS of injury be A, B, C, or D
Have full and pain free motion at the hips, knees and ankles

Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.

Measurement of Simultaneous H-Reflexes in Multiple Lower Extremity Muscles of Subjects With or Without SCI During Rest and Stepping in the Lokomat ® [488]

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:

Be male, age 18-59 years old
Have an intact neurological system or spinal cord injury of any ASIA classification
If SCI, have a spinal cord injury between C6-T10
If SCI, have time since injury between 6-24 months

Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS, or call 404-603-4611

Establishing evidence-based guidelines for interface pressure mapping [489]

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:

Use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility
Have no current pressure ulcers on the buttocks, sacrum or hips
Be able to tolerate 18 transfers to/from your wheelchair (with assistance as needed) over two 1.5 – 2 hour sessions (9 transfers per session)

Contact: Email Cami Godsey or call 404-350-7655.

Comparison of pressure relief behaviors between persons with and without recurrent pressure ulcers [494]

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:

Be 18 + years of age
Have time since injury be more than 5 years
Use a wheelchair as main mobility device
Able to perform independent pressure reliefs.

Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.

Modeling pressure ulcer susceptibility [495]

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:

Be male
Be between 18 and 40 years old
Have time since injury be > 2 years

Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.

Physiological changes during pressure reliefs [496]

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:

Be 18 + years of age
Have time since injury be > 2 years
Use a wheelchair as main mobility device
Be able to maintain certain pressure relief positions for 30 seconds each

Contact: Email Michelle Nemeth, PT or call 404-350-7661.

Overcoming bladder management barriers for the female SCI patient [506]

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:

Be female
Be 18-64 years of age
Have a SCI at level T1-T12
Have been discharged from inpatient SCI at Shepherd Center within the past 5 years

Contact: Email Jennifer Long, OTR/L or call 404-350-7695.

Physical activity, spasms, and diet after SCI [512]

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:

Have a SCI with level of injury between C4-T12
Have time since injury > 1 year
Be 18-59 years of age

Contact: Email Kevin McCully, PhD or call 706-542-1129.

Tonic transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to augment motor output during stepping in the Lokomat ® [519]

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:

Be male
Be 18-59 years of age
Have a SCI AIS of A, B, C, D, or E or have no SCI
Have a SCI level between C4-T10
Have time since injury between 6-24 months

Contact: Email Joy Bruce, MSPT, PhD, NCS or call 404-603-4611.

Effects of acute intermittent hypoxia on locomotor performance in human SCI [521]

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:

Have a motor-incomplete (AIS C or D) SCI
Have an SCI level between C5-T12, with no lower motor neuron involvement
Be 18-65 years of age
Be able to walk with no more than minimal assistance
Not have had physical therapy for a at least 8 weeks

Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.

Examining spasticity in spinal cord injury using an experimental version of L-Stiff ® [522]

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:

Be male
Be 18-59 years of age
Have an SCI AIS A, B, C, D, or E or have no SCI
Have an SCI level between C4-T10
Have time since injury between 6-24 months

Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT or call 404-350-7681.

Obesity/Overweight in Persons with Early and Chronic SCI: A Randomized Multi-Center Controlled Lifestyle Intervention [525]

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:

Age 18 to 65 years old
Have a spinal cord injury between C5-L1 with AIS A, B, or C
SCI more than 1 year post injury
BMI ≥ 22 kg/m²

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.

Pilot Study – Health and Fitness Benefits of Home Exercise Program using Upper Extremity Circuit Resistance Training [526]

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:

Be 18-65 years old
Have a traumatic spinal cord injury between T4-L1 with AIS A or B
SCI more than 1 year post
Be willing to build (or have built) a CRT set-up in your home according to set guidelines

Contact: Email Elizabeth Sasso, PT, or call 404-350-7551.

Comparing the Relationship Between Somatosensation and Movement of the Hand in Persons with Tetraplegia and those who are Able-Bodied [529]

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 :

With no neural or musculoskeletal injury or disease that affects the central nervous system or your arms and hands OR
Have a an SCI at C8-T1
SCI is AIS classification A or B
SCI more than 1 year ago
Be 18-50 years of age

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397

Comparing Upper Extremity Muscle Activation Patterns During Grasping Task in Persons with Tetraplegia and Able-Bodied Participants [530]

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:

Have no spinal cord injury or have a spinal cord injury at C7-T1, AIS A or B
If have SCI, it is ≥ 1 year
Be between 18 and 50 years of age
Be capable of sitting upright in your wheelchair for more than one hour
Be capable of holding a hand-held dynamometer

Contact: Email Kathy Kreger or call 404-350-7397.

A Comparison of Robotic Body Weight Supported Locomotor Training and Aquatic Therapy for Individuals with Chronic Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury [532]

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:

Have a motor incomplete spinal cord injury (AIS C or D)
Age 18-65 years
Level of injury C4-T12, based on ASIA exam, with no lower motor neuron injury involvement
Spinal cord injury longer than 12 months
Completion of all conventional inpatient rehabilitation therapy

Contact: Email Leslie VanHiel, MSPT, or call 404-350-7681.

User Preference Study to Compare a 40cm Intermittent Catheter to a 30cm Intermittent Catheter” Hollister # 4875-I [534]

Principal Investigator: Ismari Clesson, RN
Study Description: To test an intermittent catheter design of different lengths.

To participate in this study, you must:

Be 18 years and older
Currently be self-catheterizing 3 times daily
Have performed intermittent catheterizations (IC) for at least 2 months

Contact: Email Amy Murphy, RN, or call 404-350-7651.

A new measure of neurological and behavioral recovery after SCI [536]

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:

Be 18-75 years of age at time of injury
Have an SCI with ASIA Impairment Scale A, B, C, or D
Have an upper motor neuron injury (an SCI typically with level of injury above T10)
Have completed in-patient rehabilitation

Contact: Email Anneke Bender, PT or call 404-603-4617.

The Effects of Exercise Training on Wheelchair Propulsion Economy and Imposed Upper Extremity Joint Forces [538]

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: