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Spinal Cord InjuriesNCT02622295

Musculoskeletal Plasticity After Spinal Cord Injury

A study testing Single-session electrically induced exercise and Electrically-induced exercise training in people with Spinal Cord Injuries, run by Richard K Shields at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, pressure ulcers, and cardiovascular disease at far greater rates than the general population. A rehabilitation method to prevent or reverse the systemic metabolic consequences of SCI is a pressing need. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 21 to 60 years
Conditions the study is for
Spinal Cord Injuries
What is being tested?
Single-session electrically induced exercise and Electrically-induced exercise training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
71 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
May 2015to 18 Nov 2021
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 21 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Motor complete SCI (AIS A-B)

Who cannot join

  • Pressure ulcers
  • Chronic infection
  • Lower extremity muscle contractures
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Recent limb fractures
Show all 11Show fewer
  • Any comorbid disease known to affect bone metabolism (such as parathyroid dysfunction)
  • Pregnancy
  • Anti-osteoporosis medications
  • Vitamin D supplements
  • Metformin or other medications for diabetes.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242

Other trials in United States

About this study

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, pressure ulcers, and cardiovascular disease at far greater rates than the general population. A rehabilitation method to prevent or reverse the systemic metabolic consequences of SCI is a pressing need. The purpose of this study is to determine the dose of muscle activity that can enhance an oxidative muscle phenotype and improve clinical markers of metabolic health and bone turnover in patients with SCI. The long-term goal of this research is to develop exercise-based interventions to prevent secondary health conditions such as diabetes and to ultimately protect health-related quality of life (QOL). Specific Aim 1: To compare changes in skeletal muscle gene regulation in individuals who receive high frequency (HF) active-resisted stance and low frequency (LF) active-resisted stance for 3 years. Hypothesis 1: The expression of genes regulating skeletal muscle metabolism will support that HF and LF both instigate a shift toward an oxidative muscle phenotype. A novel finding will be that LF is a powerful regulator of oxidative pathways in skeletal muscle. Specific Aim 2: To compare changes in systemic markers of metabolic health and bone turnover in individuals with SCI who receive HF or LF for 3 years. Hypothesis 2: HF and LF will both reduce glucose/insulin levels and HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) score.

Secondary Aim: To measure subject-reported QOL using the EQ-5D survey metric. Hypothesis 3: HF and LF subjects will show a trend toward improved self-reported QOL after 3 years. There will be an association between metabolic improvement and improved perception of QOL. These observations will support that this intervention has strong feasibility for future clinical translation.

Being tested
Single-session electrically induced exercise, Electrically-induced exercise training
Keywords
metabolism, glucose, osteoporosis, secondary health conditions, quality of life, standing, electrical stimulation, diabetes, insulin, skeletal muscle
Medical subject headings
Spinal Cord Injuries, Osteoporosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Single-session electrically induced exerciseBehavioural

    A single session of electrically induced exercise to the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups of people with paralysis.

  • Electrically-induced exercise trainingBehavioural

    Multiple sessions of electrically induced exercise to the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups for up to 3 years in people with paralysis.

Study groups in NCT02622295
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Acute gene regulationExperimentalAdaptations in gene regulation in response to single-session electrically induced exercise
Receives: Behavioral: Single-session electrically induced exercise
Training StudyExperimentalAdaptations in gene regulation, metabolic markers, and subject-report metrics in response to up to 3 years of electrically induced exercise
Receives: Behavioral: Electrically-induced exercise training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Acute Gene Regulation: MSTN

    Acute post-stimulation effect upon skeletal muscle myostatin (MSTN) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: 3 hours after a single session of electrical stimulation

  2. Acute Gene Regulation: PGC1-alpha

    Acute post-stimulation effect upon skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator alpha (PGC1-alpha) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: 3 hours after a single session of electrical stimulation

  3. Acute Gene Regulation: PDK4

    Acute post-stimulation effect upon skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4-alpha) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: 3 hours after a single session of electrical stimulation

  4. Acute Gene Regulation: SDHB

    Acute post-stimulation effect upon skeletal muscle succinate dehydrogenase-B (SDHB) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: 3 hours after a single session of electrical stimulation

  5. Post-training Gene Regulation: MSTN

    Pre- and post-training skeletal muscle myostatin (MSTN) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: up to 3 years

  6. Post-training Gene Regulation: PGC1-alpha

    Pre- and post-training skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator alpha (PGC1-alpha) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: up to 3 years

  7. Post-training Gene Regulation: PDK4

    Pre- and post-training skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4-alpha) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: up to 3 years

  8. Post-training Gene Regulation: SDHB

    Pre- and post-training skeletal muscle succinate dehydrogenase-B (SDHB) expression, measured via muscle biopsy and exon array analysis. Probe summarization and probe set normalization were performed using robust multichip average, which included background correction, quantile normalization, log2 transformation and median polish probe set summarization. 0 represents no mRNA expression and higher values represent greater expression compared to all genes in the microarray.

    Measured: up to 3 years

  9. Post-training Metabolism: Fasting Glucose

    Pre- and post-training fasting glucose, measured via venipuncture and standard laboratory assays

    Measured: up to 3 years

  10. Post-training Metabolism: Fasting Insulin

    Pre- and post-training fasting insulin, measured via venipuncture and standard laboratory assays

    Measured: up to 3 years

  11. Post-training Metabolism: HOMA Score

    Pre- and post-training HOMA score, calculated via the Homeostasis Model Assessment equation.

    Maximum/minimum values: not applicable. Scores >2 are indicative of insulin resistance.

    Measured: up to 3 years

  12. Post-training Bone Turnover: Osteocalcin

    Pre- and post-training serum osteocalcin, measured via venipuncture and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

    Measured: up to 3 years

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Post-training Subject-report Measures: EQ-5D

    Pre- and post-training QALY (quality-adjusted life-years) via the EQ-5D subject-report survey instrument.

    Scale ranges from -0.287 to 0.992. Higher values indicated a higher self-perceived health state.

    Measured: up to 3 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Dec 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study startMay 2015
  3. Primary completion18 Nov 2021
  4. Study completion18 Nov 2021

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
71 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02622295
Sponsor's protocol ID
200412709
Other IDs
R01HD084645
Status last verified
Aug 2022
First submitted
2 Dec 2015
Last updated
4 Nov 2022
Data monitoring committee
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Dudley-Javoroski S, Saha PK, Liang G, Li C, Gao Z, Shields RK. High dose compressive loads attenuate bone mineral loss in humans with spinal cord injury. Osteoporos Int. 2012 Sep;23(9):2335-46. doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1879-4. Epub 2011 Dec 21.

    PubMed 22187008
  • Dudley-Javoroski S, Shields RK. Dose estimation and surveillance of mechanical loading interventions for bone loss after spinal cord injury. Phys Ther. 2008 Mar;88(3):387-96. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20070224. Epub 2008 Jan 17.

    PubMed 18202080
  • Dudley-Javoroski S, Shields RK. Active-resisted stance modulates regional bone mineral density in humans with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med. 2013 May;36(3):191-9. doi: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000092.

    PubMed 23809588
  • Dudley-Javoroski S, Littmann AE, Iguchi M, Shields RK. Doublet stimulation protocol to minimize musculoskeletal stress during paralyzed quadriceps muscle testing. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2008 Jun;104(6):1574-82. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00892.2007. Epub 2008 Apr 24.

    PubMed 18436697
  • Dudley-Javoroski S, Shields RK. Assessment of physical function and secondary complications after complete spinal cord injury. Disabil Rehabil. 2006 Jan 30;28(2):103-10. doi: 10.1080/09638280500163828.

    PubMed 16393840
  • Adams CM, Suneja M, Dudley-Javoroski S, Shields RK. Altered mRNA expression after long-term soleus electrical stimulation training in humans with paralysis. Muscle Nerve. 2011 Jan;43(1):65-75. doi: 10.1002/mus.21831.

    PubMed 21171097
  • Frey Law LA, Shields RK. Femoral loads during passive, active, and active-resistive stance after spinal cord injury: a mathematical model. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2004 Mar;19(3):313-21. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2003.12.005.

    PubMed 15003348
  • Kunkel SD, Suneja M, Ebert SM, Bongers KS, Fox DK, Malmberg SE, Alipour F, Shields RK, Adams CM. mRNA expression signatures of human skeletal muscle atrophy identify a natural compound that increases muscle mass. Cell Metab. 2011 Jun 8;13(6):627-38. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.03.020.

    PubMed 21641545
  • McHenry CL, Wu J, Shields RK. Potential regenerative rehabilitation technology: implications of mechanical stimuli to tissue health. BMC Res Notes. 2014 Jun 3;7:334. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-334.

    PubMed 24894666
  • McHenry CL, Shields RK. A biomechanical analysis of exercise in standing, supine, and seated positions: Implications for individuals with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med. 2012 May;35(3):140-7. doi: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000011.

    PubMed 22507023
  • Petrie MA, Suneja M, Faidley E, Shields RK. A minimal dose of electrically induced muscle activity regulates distinct gene signaling pathways in humans with spinal cord injury. PLoS One. 2014 Dec 22;9(12):e115791. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115791. eCollection 2014.

    PubMed 25531450
  • Petrie MA, Suneja M, Faidley E, Shields RK. Low force contractions induce fatigue consistent with muscle mRNA expression in people with spinal cord injury. Physiol Rep. 2014 Feb 25;2(2):e00248. doi: 10.1002/phy2.248. eCollection 2014 Feb 1.

    PubMed 24744911
  • Shields RK, Dudley-Javoroski S. Monitoring standing wheelchair use after spinal cord injury: a case report. Disabil Rehabil. 2005 Feb 4;27(3):142-6. doi: 10.1080/09638280400009337.

    PubMed 15823996
  • Petrie M, Suneja M, Shields RK. Low-frequency stimulation regulates metabolic gene expression in paralyzed muscle. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015 Mar 15;118(6):723-31. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00628.2014. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

    PubMed 25635001
  • Zhorne R, Dudley-Javoroski S, Shields RK. Skeletal muscle activity and CNS neuro-plasticity. Neural Regen Res. 2016 Jan;11(1):69-70. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.169623. No abstract available.

    PubMed 26981083

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Single-session electrically induced exercise and Electrically-induced exercise training in people with Spinal Cord Injuries, run by Richard K Shields at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 4 Nov 2022). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Acute Gene Regulation: MSTN (time frame: 3 hours after a single session of electrical stimulation). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02622295, which also lists 28 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2022.

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