Research Studies

A Notice to Research Participants
Before becoming involved in a research project, be sure to read the Informed Consent which describes the nature of the project, risks and benefits to you. ASK QUESTIONS if you do not understand. This website DOES NOT ENDORSE or support any of the projects listed. All research information is provided only as a community service to researchers and individuals with SCI.

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A new method to measure Thoracic and Lumbar Muscle Strength After Spinal Cord Injury
To participate in this study, you must be medically stable, have no fever, have had an incomplete Cervical SCI or any other type of SCI, have no external immobilizing devices, and be at least 19 years of age. One visit is needed for about 20 minutes. For information contact Pat Taylor at 205-934-5463 or poharet@uab.edu

Controlled Trial of Venlafaxine XR for Low Mood Among Persons With SCI: A Multi-Site Study
Sadness, sleep problems, appetite changes, loss of interests and low energy are commonly experienced symptoms among persons with spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, such symptoms can affect physical health and quality of life. Surprisingly, there are no randomized controlled trials of treatments for mood disruptions to guide the care of people with SCI. There is a clear need to examine and establish evidence for the efficacy of standardized treatments such as medications used to treat low mood in thisgroup of people. This study responds to that need, and as such, is a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) to treatment symptoms of low mood in persons with SCI. The efficacy of venlafaxine XR will be determined by the degree to which mood symptoms are reduced from the beginning of treatment to the end of treatment (12 weeks) when compared to a placebo. We are also interested in the potential effects of venlafaxine XR in reducing SCI-related pain, increasing health related quality of life, and improving community reintegration. The study is being conducted at four SCI Model System sites, the University of Washington, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, University of Michigan and University of Alabama, Birmingham. For information contact Jan Troncale at 205-996-5046 or jtroncal@uab.edu

One-Day Study on Relationship Between Neurologic Exam and Bladder Function
We seek persons between 19 and 60 years of age and between 6 months and 12 years post-injury. You will receive $225 for completion of study. For information contact Peg Hale at 205-934-2088 or peghale@uab.edu.

Study of Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury and Related Physical and Emotional Symptoms
Seeking persons who are at least 1 month post-injury, between 19 and 64 years old, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and able to easily commute to Spain Rehabilitation Center. Participants will receive a $10 Visa card for screening interview, $25 card for baseline interview (plus $25 check for travel), $35 card for each of 5 clinic visits (plus $25 check for travel to each visit), $75 card for final assessment (plus $25 check for travel), and $25 card for follow-up phone assessment. For information contact Jan Troncale at 205 996-5014 or jtroncal@uab.edu.

Study to Determine Possible “Imaging” of Pain Activity in the Spinal Cord
We seek persons who are at least 1 year post-injury with neuropahic pain aggravated by light touching at or below their level of injury. Will receive $50 to complete 2 fMRI scans for up to 20 minutes. For information contact Dr. Scott Richards at 205-934-3454 or richards@uab.edu.

The Effects of Nicotine on Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Must be at least 19 years old, be at least 1 year post-injury and experience neuropathic pain. We seek participants who are both nicotine and non nicotine users. $50 Visa cards for each of two test days. For information contact Betsy Richardson at 205-934-3345 or ejrichar@uab.edu .

Index of Motor Recovery – Validation of an Outcome Measure for Motor Recovery in Incomplete SCI
March 2008 - The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is seeking persons with incomplete SCI to participate in a study to evaluate a muscle testing measurement tool.

Validation of an Outcome Measure for Motor Recovery in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
We seek 2 groups of persons with SCI at least 19 years old. Group 1 must be 3-60 days post-injury and available for five 15-20 minute testing sessions over 1 year period. Group 2 must be at least 3 years post-injury and available for 2 similar sessions over one week. $25 Visa for each session completed. For information contact Pat Taylor at 205-934-5463 or poharet@uab.edu.

Aging with a Physical Disability Survey Study
Announcing a new study on aging with a disability (muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome and spinal cord injury). It is important to understand how aging impacts your life with a disability, and what to expect long term as a person with a physical disability ages. If you decide to participate in this study, we will ask you to fill out two to four surveys over the course of four years, depending on your age. As long as you are over 18, you are eligible to participate.

Blood Sugar & SCI Study in California
Dec 2007-The University of California Irvine is conducting 2 research studies analyzing how the control of sugar levels in the blood is altered by spinal cord injury. Must have SCI for more than one year, can not have diabetes, can not have a current pressure sore, must be able to go to Irvine, California. Visits are being scheduled for Jan-March 2008. Contact Dr. Kim Anderson at 949-824-0056 or email kanderso@uci.edu.

BOTOX-A Injection to Improve Bladder Function in Early Spinal Cord Injury
Aug 2008 - This study from the Baylor College of Medicine is now recruiting newly spinal cord injured participants.

Clinical Trials
Links to SCI related studies from the US National Institutes of Health.

Intermittent Urinary Catheter Study
Aug 2008 - The University of Rochester in New York is recruiting participants who have MS or SCI and use an intermittent urinary catherter to participate in this study.

Nationwide Market Research
Are you between the ages of 18 and 35? Do you currently use an intermittent catheter/IC/self-catheter as your primary method for bladder continence care? Has it been at least 1 year after your initial inpatient rehab? If so, we would like to talk with you to learn more about your lifestyle and your use of intermittent catheters. You will be compensated $75.00 for completion of a 45 minute telephone interview. If you are interested in participating, please email Karen at sci@willab.com with your name, address, and phone number.

Neuropathic Pain Research
The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital is conducting clinical trials regarding chronic neuropathic pain as a result of a Spinal Cord Injury. For more information call 1-617-525-PAIN (7246) or email paintrials@partners.org.

Restoring walking in non-ambulatory children with severe chronic SCI
May 2007 - The Kids STEP Study at UF and Brooks Rehabilitation is seeking to enroll children 3-10 years old with incomplete SCI, classified as ASIA B or C, who are non-ambulatory for greater than 1 year. The study aims to investigate the use of locomotor training for restoring ambulation in children with chronic, severe SCI.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Chronic Pain Study
If you experience chronic nerve pain a year or more following a SCI you may be eligibe to participate in a 5-month clinical study sponsored by Pfizer of an investigational medication. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the study medication in relieving chronic nerve pain associated with SCI. Participants may receive study-related physical and neurological examinations, electrocardiograms, and laboratory tests at no cost, plus compensation for their time. For further information, call Inclinix at (888) 898-7425 ext. 2072.

Spinal Cord Injury Research at Northwest Regional SCI System
University of Washington (Seattle), Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking individuals with spinal cord injury interested in participating in ongoing SCI research. See individual projects for more information and contact person.

Understanding the Challenges of Cancer Survivors With Pre-existing Disabilities
We know so little about the cancer experience of people who had a functional limitation prior to their cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you have completed active treatment for your cancer, I invite you to participate in a study to help us understand how cancer survivors who had a functional limitation before being diagnosed with cancer take care of their health. Your information will help health care providers work more effectively with survivors such as yourself. You can earn $ 25 by completing a questionnaire packet. If you are over the age of 21 and have completed active treatment, please call us 1-800-687-8010 or email us at maxhealth@mail.nur.utexas.edu for more information.

Women with SCI Survey
A doctoral student with Pennsylvania State University is recruiting women with SCI (age 18 or older) who are both employed and unemployed to participate in an on-line research project. This is an investigation of quality of life, job satisfaction, and the return to work related experiences of women with SCI (posted March 2007).