The Development and Validation of the Thoracic-Lumbar Control Scale to measure Strength and Coordination of Trunk Muscles
This study is looking at a way to measure trunk or core muscle strength after a spinal cord injury. Participants must be at least 19 years of age, medically stable and without fever, have no external immobilizing devices in use on their body at the time of testing and have had an incomplete motor cervical spinal cord injury or any other type of SCI ( cannot have a complete Cervical injury). Test requires a one time 15-20 minute visit with no compensation paid.
For information on participating email Pat Taylor or call 205-934-5463
The Impact of Brain Injury on Ratings of Emotion-Invoking Photographs
Participants must have stroke or traumatic brain injury and getting rehabilitation as an inpatient or outpatient at Spain Rehabilitation Center. Must also be 19 years old or older, fully oriented (score of 25 or higher on the Orientation Log), and have ability to follow basic instructions in English. This study is not open to patients with severe cognitive deficits (Cognitive Log score of less than 15), receptive or expressive language deficits, other neurologic diagnoses other than stroke or TBI, pronounced visual impairment that would preclude viewing of photographs.
For information on participating call Dr. James Banos at 205-934-3454
The Effects of Nicotine on Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Participants must be at least 19 years of age or older, have an SCI of at least 1 year duration and experience SCI-related pain. We are recruiting participants who are both nicotine and non nicotine users. Payment for participation provided.
For information on participating call Dr. Betsy Richardson at 205-934-3454
Controlled Trial of Venlafaxine XR for Low Mood Among Persons With SCI: A Multi-Site Study
Sadness, sleep problems, appetite changes, loss of interests and low energy are commonly experienced symptoms among persons with spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, such symptoms can affect physical health and quality of life. Surprisingly, there are no randomized controlled trials of treatments for mood disruptions to guide the care of people with SCI. There is a clear need to examine and establish evidence for the efficacy of standardized treatments such as medications used to treat low mood in this group of people. This study responds to that need, and as such, is a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) to treatment symptoms of low mood in persons with SCI. The efficacy of venlafaxine XR will be determined by the degree to which mood symptoms are reduced from the beginning of treatment to the end of treatment (12 weeks) when compared to a placebo. We are also interested in the potential effects of venlafaxine XR in reducing SCI-related pain, increasing health related quality of life, and improving community reintegration. The study is being conducted at four SCI Model System sites, the University of Washington, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, University of Michigan and University of Alabama, Birmingham.
For information on participating email Jan Troncale, RN
or call 205-996-5014
Relationship Between Neurologic Exam and Bladder Function
Participants in must be between 19 and 60 years of age, between six months and 12 years post Spinal Cord Injury. In appreciation for your participation in this one-day study, you will receive $225.00 upon completion of the study.
For information on participating email Peg Hale
or call 205-934-2088
UAB Index of Motor Recovery – Validation of an Outcome Measure for Motor Recovery in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Participants need to be at least 19 years old and less than 60 days after a traumatic spinal cord injury or more than 3 years after the injury. Five 15-20 minute testing sessions will be required over the course of one year for newly injured patients and 2 sessions of the same length during a one week period will be necessary for the chronic patients.
For information on participating email Pat Taylor or call 205-934-5463