Pilot Study: Spike-timing-dependent Plasticity for Respiratory Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the connections between the brain, nerves, and diaphragm after experiencing a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).The main question it aims to answer is: Changes in respiratory function and recovery using stimulation and respiratory exercise training in spinal cord-injured individuals. Participants will complete a maximum of 55 study visits. They will be asked to complete about 40 treatment sessions which include multiple stimulation sessions over the scalp and neck, followed by about 60 minutes of respiratory training. Assessment sessions will be completed prior at baseline, after 20 sessions and after 40 sessions of study treatment.
Description
The purpose of this study is to test a strategy to potentiate functional recovery of respiratory function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Respiratory function is often impaired in individuals with high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI, C1-C5) leading to reduced quality of life and mortality. Currently, research has shown Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) targeting cortico-motoneuronal connections effectively promote recovery in upper and lower limbs, including functions such as grasping and locomotion. The overall goal of our proposal is to develop a non-invasive protocol…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male and females between ages 18-85 years 2. SCI at least 6 months post-injury 3. Spinal Cord injury at C1-C5 4. Demonstrate respiratory deficit following spinal cord injury as following: (1) Individuals using mechanical ventilation, and (2) individuals with pulmonary function testing (PFT) deficits corresponding to having a vital capacity (VC) \< 80% (predicted) 5. Must have a family member or caregiver who is trained and willing to operate the mechanical ventilator during study visits. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any illness or condition that based on the research team's…
Interventions
- DeviceNeurostimulation
Paired stimulation will be given to the spinal cord and to peripheral nerves so that the signals are received at the spinal cord at a specific interval.
- OtherRepiratory training
Respiratory exercises will be completed immediately after completing neurostimulation. Respiratory exercises will involve inspiratory muscle training performing four sets of 6-10 breaths per day with two minutes of rest.
Location
- Shirley Ryan Ability LabChicago, Illinois