Targeted Spinal Cord Plasticity for Alleviating SCI-related Neuropathic Pain
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
The purpose of the second part of the study is to examine the effect of reflex training in the leg to decrease neuropathic pain. For this, the researchers are recruiting 15 individuals with neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury to participate in the reflex training procedure. The study involves approximately 50 visits with a total study duration of about 6.5 months (3 months for baseline and training phases followed by 1 month and 3 month follow-up visits).
Description
As part of the larger study of the relationship between reflexes in the leg and the presence of neuropathic pain, the researchers are also recruiting 30 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) total, 15 individuals with neuropathic pain due to SCI and 15 individuals without neuropathic pain. For this portion of the study, there are 2 visits. The first visit will examine cutaneous reflexes in the leg. During the second visit, the study team will assess sensation in the leg and administer questionnaires about pain, functioning, and quality of life. This portion of the study does not involve an…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. neurologically stable (\>1 year post SCI) 2. medical clearance to participate 3. ability to stand with or without an assistive device for at least 3 minutes at a time 4. expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months (stable use of anti-spasticity medication is accepted) 5. For participants with neuropathic pain, the area of neuropathic pain must include lower leg. Exclusion Criteria: 1. motoneuron injury 2. known cardiac condition 3. medically unstable condition (incl. pregnancy) 4. cognitive impairment 5. uncontrolled per…
Interventions
- BehavioralOperant Conditioning of Cutaneous Reflexes
This is a training intervention in which people with a spinal cord injury are trained to change (increase or decrease) the activity of a certain spinal reflex. By changing this reflex, it is hypothesized that individuals can reduce pain due to spinal cord injury.
Location
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina