This trial is recruiting individuals with cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to study the effect of limiting blood flow while exercising. Low-intensity blood-flow restricted exercise (BFRE) is achieved by applying an occlusion cuff (e.g, an inflated band) around each thigh while doing exercises at 20-30% of maximal intensity. BFRE has been reported to be safe has previously been shown to increase muscle strength and improve gait (walking) performance in individuals with reduced mobility. If selected for this trial, participants will be randomly assigned to either the active BFRE group or the sham BFRE group. The sham group also wears occlusion cuffs, but they are inflated to a lower pressure that is thought not to affect training. Training sessions are 45 minutes twice per week for 8 weeks. Changes in leg muscle strength and walking function will be measured.
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
Type
Details
Training sessions are twice per week for 8 weeks. Each training session is 45 minutes and consists of a warm-up (5 minutes of handcycling) and BFRE at 20-30% of maximal intensity for 1 cycle of exercises (4 sets of biceps curls and wrist extension).
Main benefits
Standing/walking/mobility
Additional benefits
Arm/hand function
General health
Mental health and psychosocial factors
Pain
Spasticity
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn moreWings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more