The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effect of administration of the oral beta-2 adrenergic agonist, albuterol, on respiratory muscle strength in individuals with cervical (neck) and high thoracic (upper back) spinal cord injury and to compare findings with those obtained in a demographically matched group that will receive placebo. Participation in this study will involve 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention during which participants will be randomized to receive either oral albuterol 4mg twice daily or placebo. All investigators and study participants will be blinded to randomization by our research pharmacy. Participation in the study will require study subjects to come to our lab for the total of 2 visits (at baseline and after week 12), during which a series of tests will be performed to assess their respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
40
Albuterol extended release belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles.
An ambiguous sheathing capsule will be placed over a lactose placebo pill. The placebo will have no effect on pulmonary function.
VA Medical Center, Bronx
The Bronx, New York, United States
Inspiratory Respiratory Muscle Strength
Respiratory muscle strength as measured by maximal inspiratory and pressures at the mouth.
Time frame: Outcome will be measured at baseline, prior to intervention, and after 12 weeks of twice daily drug treatment.
Expiratory Respiratory Muscle Strength
Respiratory Muscle Strength defines as Maximal expiratory muscle strength at the mouth.
Time frame: Outcome will be measured at baseline, prior to intervention, and after 12 weeks of twice daily drug treatment.
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