Exercise Training for Brachial Plexus Injury

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Alberta

No Placebo Group

Prior Safety Data

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Although peripheral nerve is capable of regrowth following injury, at only 1 mm/day, the slow rate represents a major barrier. Apart from rapid deterioration of the environment supportive of growth, denervated muscles become atrophic and bones osteoporotic. To successfully restore function, in addition to speeding up the nerve regeneration rate, treatments that can also restore muscle and bone mass are essential. Recently, in animal studies, the investigators showed that in addition to accelerating the speed of nerve regeneration, exercise training can also be used to restore muscle bulk and bone density. While promising, given the inter-species differences, the clinical utilities of this treatment need to be directly tested in humans. This will be done using a randomized controlled study design on patients with brachial plexus injury.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with a specific nerve injury in the arm called brachial plexus injury, confirmed by special nerve tests. Participants must be able to give consent. Those with other conditions affecting arm and hand function cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to consent for participation

I am between 18 and 60 years old.

I have a confirmed nerve injury in my shoulder area.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition affecting my elbow or hand function.

Treatment Details

Interventions

Exercise Training (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing if exercise training can help people recover from brachial plexus injuries by speeding up nerve healing and improving muscle and bone health. It's a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants are randomly assigned to either the exercise group or a control group.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Exercise groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Each participant in the exercise group will undergo hand grip exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for a total of 12 weeks. To activate the ulnar nerve innervated muscles, the exercise will be done using an electronic hand grip device with adjustable resistance individualized to the strength of each participant.

Group II: Control groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will carry out a stretch exercise routine that is not known to have any effect on nerve regeneration.