Tele-Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May be covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Drexel University
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of an integrated, participant-centered tele-health physical activity program for individuals with SCI on psychological and social factors through a parallel mixed-methods design approach. We will examine changes in psychological (self-efficacy, self-esteem, exercise outcome expectations, depression, positive affect and well-being, quality of life) and social factors (participation and satisfaction with social roles and activities, activity engagement) following participation in an 8-week integrated group tele-exercise health and wellness physical activity program, with retention assessed at 8-weeks following completion (16 weeks from baseline). We will also complete small group interviews with all participants to understand participant experiences of, response to, and recommendations before and following participation in group tele-exercise program.
To date, there is extremely limited evidence for the efficacy of psychological and social well-being of remotely delivered community-based exercise to individuals with SCI. A pilot effectiveness trial of a tele-exercise health and wellness program will be conducted using a mixed methods design with a randomized waitlist control group. Quantitative and qualitative data collection is sequential in nature and other data are collected simultaneously. Individuals with SCI (living with injury 12 months or longer) will be recruited based on existing partnerships locally and nationally. To assess limited effectiveness, we aim to enroll 35 individuals with SCI. Recruitment of these participants will stem from the investigator's ongoing community partnership with local and national partners. The tele-exercise health \& wellness program will consist of virtual group class, twice per week, intended to generate physical confidence and strength for individuals living with SCI. Each session will be co-led with by an individual living with SCI.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Tele-Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury?
Research shows that tele-exercise can help people with spinal cord injuries stay active, especially when in-person exercise is difficult. It offers a way to continue exercising safely from home, which is important for maintaining health and well-being.
13456Is tele-exercise safe for people with spinal cord injury?
The studies suggest that tele-exercise programs are feasible and offer a safe way for individuals with spinal cord injury to engage in physical activity, especially during times when in-person sessions are not possible.
23456How is the tele-exercise treatment for spinal cord injury different from other treatments?
Tele-exercise is unique because it allows individuals with spinal cord injury to participate in group exercise sessions remotely, overcoming barriers like transportation and accessibility that often prevent regular exercise. This approach is particularly beneficial during times of social isolation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides a way to maintain physical activity without needing in-person sessions.
23456Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-75 with spinal cord injury (SCI) who've lived with the injury for at least a year. They must be able to participate in virtual classes, have some shoulder mobility, and not be in structured rehabilitation. Excluded are those with recent fractures or hospitalization, active pressure ulcers, severe vision loss, or other neurological conditions.Inclusion Criteria
I am between 18 and 75 years old.
My spinal cord injury is classified as ASIA A, B, C, or D.
I am not currently in a structured rehabilitation program.
Exclusion Criteria
I have recently had a fracture due to osteoporosis.
I have an active pressure ulcer.
Participant Groups
The study tests an 8-week group tele-exercise program designed to improve physical confidence and strength through virtual classes twice a week. It aims to assess psychological and social benefits using both surveys and interviews before and after the program.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Waitlist ControlExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
The waitlist control group will complete all quantitative measures as a baseline (baseline-control) and will be instructed to continue their activities as usual, with measures obtained again at 8-weeks (post-control/pre-program). Following the initial 8-week baseline, each waitlist group will participate in pre-intervention semi-structured interview or small focus group with the post-control measures as pre-intervention assessment. They will join the tele-exercise intervention with all measures at 8-weeks (post-intervention) and with leisure time physical activity and quality of life assessed at 16-weeks following initiation of the program.
Group II: Group Tele-exercise ClassExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Volunteers will be asked to participate in the group online exercise class 2 times per week for 8 weeks. Each activity session will last about 60 minutes and will focus on mind-body practices, tailored to physical and emotional needs of individuals with SCI. Class will be taught by a physical therapist who is an experienced community exercise instructor. Class will be co-led by a person who is living with SCI (one of our community partners). Classes will take place over a secure virtual platform (Zoom). Before beginning and after completion of the program, participants will be asked to participate in small group interviews to share expectations and experiences of the study
Find A Clinic Near You
Research locations nearbySelect from list below to view details:
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA
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Who is running the clinical trial?
Drexel UniversityLead Sponsor
The Craig H. Neilsen FoundationCollaborator
Pennsylvania Department of HealthCollaborator
References
Functional and clinical outcomes of telemedicine in patients with spinal cord injury. [2019]To compare the 6-month outcomes of telerehabilitation intervention with those of standard care for spinal cord injury (SCI).
Effectiveness of home exercise on pain, function, and strength of manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: a high-dose shoulder program with telerehabilitation. [2022]To test the effectiveness of a high-dose home exercise/telerehabilitation program for manual wheelchair users who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) by determining whether the intervention would reduce pain and increase function, as we hypothesized.
Synchronous and asynchronous tele-exercise during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Comparisons of implementation and training load in individuals with spinal cord injury. [2023]Tele-exercise could represent an alternative for remote care in individuals with spinal cord injury at this time of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019. However, the differences regarding the training loads and implementation between synchronous and asynchronous types are not yet known. The purpose of this study was to compare the implementation and training load between synchronous and asynchronous tele-exercise programs in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Feasibility of a virtual service delivery model to support physical activity engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic for those with spinal cord injury. [2022]The current pandemic has reduced access to safe, monitored physical activity (PA) programs for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The use of telerehabilitation has the potential for continuing activity engagement without risking virus exposure. The present study evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of an online group-based PA program for persons with SCI.
Development and Feasibility of a Group Tele-Exercise Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury. [2023]More than 50% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report no regular exercise due to numerous barriers to participation. Tele-exercise services offer viable solutions to reduce barriers. However, limited evidence for SCI-specific tele-exercise programs is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a synchronous group tele-exercise program designed for individuals with SCI.
Does tele-exercise training for tetraplegia meet the spinal cord injury-specific physical activity guidelines? A 7-month longitudinal study. [2023]Tele-exercise, defined as an intervention that offers physical training provided remotely, represents an alternative for remote care during social isolation and the absence of in-person interventions, considering the difficulties of regular exercise engagement in tetraplegia. The current study aimed to examine whether tele-exercise training in individuals with tetraplegia meets the recommendations proposed by the spinal cord injury (SCI)-specific guidelines, and the adherence.