Research Studies
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| Miami Project Research Studies |
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The research studies listed below contain information about many of the active clinical protocols underway at The Miami Project. If you would like to be considered for any of the following Miami Project studies, please see Becoming a Research Participant. If you feel you fit the criteria for a particular study and require further information, send us a message or call the Miami Project Education Office at 305-243-7108.
In addition to the Miami Project studies listed below, SCI studies in the Miami area are also underway at the South Florida SCI Model System, the Miami VA Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence in Functional Recovery and SCI and the University of Miami Center on Aging.
Acute Tendon and Nerve Responses to Exercise
Purpose: To use ultrasound to analyze the effects of a bout of circuit training on the upper extremity of persons with SCI and able-bodied controls.
Criteria: Persons with SCI 18 years and older
Duration: Visit laboratory one day for 4 hours
Principal Investigator: Mark S. Nash, Ph.D., FACSM
Contact: Patricia Burns
Comparison of Locomotor Training Techniques for Individuals with SCI
Purpose: To investigate walking training techniques for people with incomplete SCI.
Criteria: Between 16 - 65 years old; incomplete injury between C1 and T10; able to step with at least one leg without the use of braces that support the knee.
Duration: Visit laboratory 5 days per week for 14 weeks
Principal Investigator: Edelle Field-Fote, Ph.D., PT
Contact: Kathleen Manella, MS, PT
Measuring the Effects of Vibratory Input on Individuals with SCI
Purpose: To investigate change in sensory perception, abnormal spinal reflex activity, muscle activity, and walking function when vibratory input is provided to the arms or legs of individuals with SCI.
Criteria: Between the ages of 16 and 65 with SCI at or above T10
Duration: Visit laboratory for four, 2-hour sessions
Principal Investigator: Edelle Field-Fote, Ph.D., PT
Contact: Lanitia Ness
MR Spectroscopy as a Diagnostic and Outcome Measure in Pain and SCI
Purpose: The ultimate goal of our research is to improve understanding of the chronic pain experienced in many with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to improve treatment. To accomplish this, we hope to determine the relationship between brain chemistry and ongoing pain conditions in people with SCI.
Criteria: 18 to 70 years of age, SCI for at least 2 years, have had chronic pain for at least 6 months, and willingness to undergo a routine MRI scan
Duration: 1 Screening ( approximately 2-4 hours) and 1 or 2 test sessions (approximately 6-hours)
Principal Investigator: Eva Widerstrom-Noga, Ph.D.
Contacts: Jim Adcock, Letitia Fisher, Dr. Elizabeth Felix, Yenisel Cruz
Fertility Evaluation
Purpose: To determine the cause of low sperm motility in men with SCI.
Criteria: Men; between 18- 45 years old; all levels of injury
Duration: Visit laboratory about once a month
Principal Investigator: Nancy Brackett, Ph.D., HCLD
Contact: Sonny Aballa
Comparative Study of Intermittent Catheters and Occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections
Purpose: To investigate the frequency of urinary tract infections with symptoms in spinal cord injured patients requiring intermittent catheterization for emptying the bladder.
Criteria: 18 years and above, traumatic spinal cord injury within 3 months prior to inclusion, neurogenic bladder dysfunction requiring intermittent catheterization at least 3 times daily
Contact: Qing He
Walking Training for Children with Incomplete Spinal Cord injury
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of locomotor training using body weight support and a treadmill to improve walking ability, strength, balance, and daily functional activities in children with incomplete spinal cord injury.
Criteria: Between ages of 4-15 years old; incomplete spinal cord injury at or above T10, at least 1 year post injury, ability to stand briefly with assistance, history of walking prior to injury.
Duration: Child will participate for approximately two hours for five days (for evaluations before & after training). Training sessions will be conducted three times per week, for approximately one hour, for twelve weeks.
Principal Investigator: Edelle Field-Fote, Ph.D.
Contact: Kathleen J. Manella, MS, PT
Activity in Muscles Paralyzed by SCI
Purpose: To determine the typical frequency and strength of muscle spasms after cervical SCI and how they are changed by exercise and/or medication.
Criteria: Between 18-60 years old; injury between C4 and C8; at least 1 year post injury
Duration: Up to six assessments, 1-2 week apart. Each assessment involves two consecutive days (up to 4 hours in the lab on the first day followed by a 24 hour recording using a portable device that the person takes home; up to 3 hours in the lab on the second day).
Principal Investigator: Christine Thomas, Ph.D.
Contact: Christine Thomas, Ph.D
Effects of Virtual Circuit Exercise Training Program for Adolescents with Spinal Cord Injuries
Purpose: To determine if a combination of game-play ergometry and virtual resistance exercise help strength and wheelchair functions in adolescents with spinal cord injuries.
Criteria: Between 8-18 years old; medically stable SCI, for more than one year, at the C7-L1 spinal levels, in good health with no history of heart, blood vessel, muscle, and bone disorders.
Duration: Assessments, performed on two non-consecutive days 4 weeks prior to testing (2 to 4 hours). Exercise training, performed for 16 weeks (1-2 hours).
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Contact: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Effects of Exercise on Prandial Lipemia and Fat Oxidation after Tetraplegia
Purpose: To learn how physical conditioning and acute exercise, with and without a protein supplement, effects: 1) The risk of blood vessel and cardiovascular disease 2) Whether acute and chronic exercise training and dietary supplementation can possibly lessen the risk of blood vessel disease, 3) the breakdown of dietary and body fats in persons with chronic tetraplegia.
Criteria: 18-55 years old with tetraplegia at the C5-8 levels for more than one year, Independent living person who is recreationally active and experienced in performing circuit resistance exercise and clinical exercise programs.
Duration: The investigation will be conducted over a 9-month period. A 3-month ‘waitlist’ control strategy to obtain data on ‘untreated’ subjects will precede a 26 week (6 month) training period.
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Contact: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Wheelchair Propulsion Function and Physical Capacity in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Purpose: 1) to assess the test-retest reliability of a modification of existing wheelchair propulsion assessment and 2) validate the modification against traditional measures of physical strength, power, and endurance in a group of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Criteria: 18-65 years old with a spinal cord injury that occurred more than one year ago, in good health without current illness, no conditions of the heart or muscles that keep one from undergoing vigorous exercise, and have the ability to self-propel themselves in a manual wheelchair
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Contact: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Effects of Antecedent Exercise on Post Prandial Glycemia and Lipemia in Persons with Chronic Paraplegia
Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to learn how food affects blood vessels and the possible risks of blood vessel disease. It will also determine whether a single session of exercise can possibly lessen the risk of blood vessel disease and abnormal blood vessel function that follows the intake of food.
Criteria: 18-50 years old with paraplegia at the T5 to L1 levels for more than one year, Independent living person who is recreationally active and experienced in performing circuit resistance exercise and clinical exercise programs.
Duration: Visit laboratory approximately 4-5 days.
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Contact: Mark Nash, Ph.D.
Exercise Treatment of Obesity-Related Secondary Conitions in Adults with Paraplegia
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine how exercise plus drinking a protein and carbohydrate (sugar) shake affects physical fitness, risks for heart and vascular disease, the body's ability to burn fat, and your opinions about your health.
Criteria: Persons with paraplegia 18 years and older
Duration: 9 months total
Principal Investigator: Mark Nash, Ph.D., FACSM
Contact: Patricia Burns
SCI-Spasticity study
Purpose: To evaluate the safety, tolerability and PK profile of AV650 administered three times a day compared to placebo.
Criteria: 18 to 70 years old with SCI at level C4 -T12 for 6 or more months, ASIA B, C and D
Duration: The study will take about 7-8 weeks, which will include a screening, washout, run in period, four study visits and a follow-up.
Contact: Qing He
Improving Hand and Arm Function in Individuals with Incomplete SCI
Purpose: To investigate whether massed practice combined with electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation alone, or weight training produce improvements in pinch strength and upper extremity function in people with SCI.
Criteria: 16 to 65 years old with SCI at level C7 or above, voluntary thumb movement
Duration: Visit Laboratory for 2-hour sessions 5 days per week for 6 weeks
Principal Investigator: Edelle Field-Fote, Ph.D., PT
Contact: Joyce Gomes
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| Other Research Studies |
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Effects of Prolonged Electrical Stimulation on Neural Plasticity in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
This is a new SCI research study being conducted at the Miami VAMC. Investigators are looking for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries at level C7 and above to participate. To view additional information about the study, download a flyer here. A brochure containing info is provided as well. Please contact Carlos Gomez at Carlos.Gomez-Orozco@va.gov or 305-575-7000 x6993 to find out more.
Kids STEP Study at UF and Brooks Rehabilitation
This study investigates the recovery of walking in children with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study is directed by Dr. Andrea Behrman, PhD, PT, a physical therapist and researcher at the University of Florida. This investigation is funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, an organization dedicated to spinal cord injury research and recovery.
Contact: Emily Fox, ejfox@phhp.ufl.edu - (352) 273-5278 - http://locomotor.phhp.ufl.edu/KidsSTEPStudy
Reducing the Frequency of Urinary Incontinent Episodes in Spinal Cord Injury
The Dignity Study is taking place in Sarasota and in cities worldwide. Qualified participants are men and women with a SCI who experience frequent incontinent episodes due to overactive bladder, may be using self-catheterization to control their bladder, and are looking for alternative treatment options. Investigational study medication, medical exams, and lab tests will be provided at no charge. Contact Dr. Thomas William's office in Sarasota at (941) 309-7000 ext. 7116 or visit www.DignityStudy.com to learn more and find additional participating physicians.
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| Surveys |
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Health and Wellness Survey: Living with SCI
Thank you for taking time to help us with identifying important health and wellness issues that are significant to you as a person with spinal cord injury. This valuable information will be gathered to help the Health and Wellness Project at Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitation determine which issues will be addressed in educational webcast presentations. This project is funded by the Craig T. Neilsen Foundation in collaboration with NSCIA and its affiliate chapters. Click here for the survey
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