Training of Eccentric Lower Extremity Function After SCI

Ohio State University49 enrolled

Overview

This project will characterize lower extremity eccentric muscle function among individuals who have undergone locomotor training after spinal cord injury and will evaluate the effect of downhill training at moderate speeds - targeted to rehabilitation eccentric function of the knee or hip.

Lower extremity eccentric motor control is is critically important for locomotor function but is impaired after spinal cord injury (SCI). Even after treadmill training, preliminary evidence indicates that eccentric deficits persist among individuals with SCI. This proposal aims to characterize eccentric motor control of the muscles about the knee or hip during locomotion and evaluate the efficacy of downhill gait training at moderate speeds as an intervention to improve eccentric function of the knee joint or hip joint during walking.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury

Interventions

Trained SCI Knee or Trained SCI HipBEHAVIORAL

Individuals with SCI will perform downhill walking training 3 times a week for 12 wks with a 4 wk follow-up period. This intervention will be delivered by trained therapists. In order to focus on rehabilitation of knee control or hip control, members of this group will be trained at slow to moderate gait speeds.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 90 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Individuals with SCI: Inclusion Criteria: * medically approved * discharged from outpatient rehabilitation for 6 months * incomplete SCI based on ASIA impairment score (AIS C or D) at neurologic level C1-T10 * ability to take some steps overground and on the treadmill * 18-90 years old. * ability to speak English. Note: the quality of life measures have not been validated yet in non-English speaking populations. Exclusion Criteria: * evidence of lower motor neuron injury in the legs * use of botox in the past 3 months * pre-existing or confounding neurologic conditions (i.e. brain injury, stroke, HIV) * acute deep vein thrombosis * skin wounds in regions where harness or hands provide support * pregnancy. Note: Persons who are pregnant will not be enrolled as exercise tolerance is unknown in these women with SCI. * cognitive conditions that preclude providing informed consent * ventilator-dependence as study results will be confounded by mobility limitations imposed by equipment * persistent orthostatic hypotension (drop of BP \>30mmHg in treadmill and harness equipment) * hospitalization for myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery or congestive heart failure exacerbation within 3 months of enrollment in study * participation in any other concurrent exercise programs. Note: Use of anti-spasticity and other medications (dose, frequency) will be monitored throughout training and used as a confounding variable in the analyses.

Locations (1)

D Michele basso

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline in time to complete 6 minutes of level walking (i.e., the 6 minute walk test)

Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change from baseline in time to complete 10 meters of level walking (i.e., the 10 meter walk test)

Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks

Change from baseline in peak magnitude of sagittal knee power absorption or frontal Hip power during loading response

Time frame: baseline, 12 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.