Spinal Cord InjuriesNCT03662308
Heated Vest for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
A study testing Heated Vest and Non-Heated Vest in people with Spinal Cord Injuries, run by VA Office of Research and Development at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Persons with higher levels of spinal cord injury (above the 2nd thoracic vertebrae; tetraplegia) are unable to maintain normal core body temperature (Tcore) when exposed to cool environments. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 68 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- What is being tested?
- Heated Vest and Non-Heated Vest
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 17 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 25 Feb 2020to 31 Oct 2022
- 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 18 to 68 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and able-bodied subjects will be recruited according to the following criteria:
- Duration of injury 1 year
- Neurological Level of SCI [C3-T1]; American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A \& B
- Euhydration
- Subjects will be instructed to avoid caffeine and alcohol
- maintain normal salt and water intake
- avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to study
Who cannot join
- Known heart, kidney, peripheral vascular or cerebrovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- History of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or diagnosed cognitive impairment
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Acute illness or infection
Show all 11Show fewer
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Pregnant women
- BMI>30 kg/m2
- Broken, inflamed, or otherwise fragile skin
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
The Bronx, New York, 10468-3904
About this study
Official title: Developing a Feedback-Controlled Heated Vest to Address Thermoregulatory Dysfunction in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Persons with higher levels of spinal cord injury (above the 2nd thoracic vertebrae; tetraplegia) are unable to maintain normal core body temperature (Tcore) when exposed to cool environments. In persons with tetraplegia, even limited exposure to cool temperatures may cause Tcore to approach hypothermic values and impair cognitive performance. Conversely, an increase in Tcore from subnormal to normal range may improve cognitive performance. Prior work has shown that cool seasonal temperatures have an adverse effect on personal comfort and the ability to perform vital daily activities of self-care in persons with tetraplegia. Interventions that address the vulnerability to hypothermia are limited. A self-regulating heated vest designed specifically for persons with tetraplegia is a novel and promising strategy to address this problem. By more effectively maintaining Tcore, the vest can decrease the adverse impact of cool temperatures on comfort, quality of life, and performance of vital daily tasks for Veterans with tetraplegia during the cooler seasons.
Read the detailed description
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly cervical injuries (tetraplegia), are unable to effectively regulate core body temperature (Tcore) due to interruption of motor, sensory, and sympathetic pathways. Thus, control of distal extremity vasoconstriction (heat conservation) and shivering thermogenesis (heat production) are impaired, and the ability to maintain a constant Tcore is compromised. Persons with tetraplegia often report "feeling cold," frequently present with subnormal Tcore (35-36.5 degrees C), and are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia (Tcore<35 degrees C) and associated impairment in cognitive performance, even when exposed to temperatures that are comfortable for able-bodied (AB) individuals. Cool seasonal temperatures have been shown to have a greater adverse effect on personal comfort, activities of daily living (ADLs), and vital daily activities in persons with tetraplegia than that of AB controls. Conversely, a minimal increase in Tcore from subnormal to normothermia, secondary to ambient heat may improve cognitive performance. Interventions addressing the tendency to poikilothermia and enhanced vulnerability to hypothermia in persons with tetraplegia are limited. Therefore, exploration of safe and efficacious bioengineering solutions to address the physiological, cognitive, and quality of life (QoL) issues associated with the routine exposure to cool temperatures that persons with tetraplegia often encounter is warranted.
The goals of this pilot study are to: 1) fully bench-test the heated vest for safety before performing any human subject testing; 2) study the safety and tolerability of a feedback-controlled heated vest in AB controls; and 3) study the efficacy of this heated vest to minimize the expected decline in Tcore and associated deterioration of cognitive performance during 2 hours of cool exposure in persons with tetraplegia.
In persons with tetraplegia, a two-condition (heated vest, non-heated vest) prospective study is being proposed to compare the physiological and cognitive responses to 2 hours of controlled cool exposure (18 degrees C) with a prototype heated vest vs. a similar, but non-heated vest (control condition). Eight subjects with tetraplegia (C3-T1, AIS A and B) and eight AB controls will be recruited for study participation. Before the prototype is tested on human subjects, it will have been fully bench tested and have satisfied all safety requirements and specifications. AB subjects will be observed to ensure the safety of the vest, which will be accomplished by determining the temperatures of the vest ( 39 degrees C) and subjective thermal sensation of no greater than "warm" during a cool condition that will be identical to the condition which subjects with SCI will be exposed. Subjects with tetraplegia will test the efficacy of the heated vest, i.e. preventing the expected decline in Tcore and cognitive performance and increase in thermal comfort.
After the feedback-controlled heated vest has been fully bench-tested and has satisfied all safety requirements (interior vest temperature does not exceed 39 degrees C at maximal power) and design specifications (lightweight, slim, easy to don doff), the following specific aims will be addressed:
Primary Specific Aim: In a cool thermal chamber (18 degrees C), AB controls will wear the heated vest at maximal setting for 120 minutes in the seated position to determine (1) maximum temperatures of all areas of the interior (user's side) of the heated vest and (2) subjective comfort of the heated vest (safety testing).
Primary Hypotheses: The study of AB controls will demonstrate (1) All areas under the vest will have temperatures 39 degrees C. (2) All subjects will report a thermal sensation no greater than "warm" this would include identification of "hot spots" (Zhang 9-point Thermal Sensation Scale).
Secondary Specific Aim: During exposure to a cool environment (18 degrees C) for up to 120 minutes in the seated position, persons with tetraplegia will wear the heated vest to determine (1) change in Tcore, (2) change in cognitive performance, and (3) change in thermal comfort (efficacy testing).
Secondary Hypotheses: In persons with tetraplegia wearing the heated vest compared to the same persons wearing the non-heated vest, it's expected that (1) 30% of the subjects will have a decline of 0.5 degrees C in Tcore compared with 80% in the control condition, (2) 30% of the subjects will demonstrate a decline of at least 1 T-score in at least one of the following measures: Interference of Stroop Color and Word test, Digit Span of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition, compared with 80% in the control condition, and (3) a greater percentage of subjects reporting increased thermal comfort (Zhang 6-point Comfort Scale).
- Conditions
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Being tested
- Heated Vest, Non-Heated Vest
- Keywords
- Hypothermia, Body Temperature Regulation, Cognition
- Medical subject headings
- Spinal Cord Injuries, Hypothermia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Heated VestDevice
Also called Feedback-controlled heated vest
Heated vest that regulates its heat output based on the user's skin, the user's core temperature, and the ambient temperature
Non-Heated VestDevice
Also called Active comparator vest, control condition
A similarly insulated (compared to the experimental vest), but non-heated vest
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Vest Safety & Comfort (able-bodied subjects) | Other | Able-bodied controls will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest, while wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, and will remain seated in a wheelchair. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for 2 hours with the heated vest on full power. Outcome Variables for Visit 1: Skin thermocouple temperatures, subjective ratings of thermal sensation. Receives: Device: Heated Vest |
| Heated Vest Efficacy (persons with tetraplegia) | Experimental | Subjects with tetraplegia, while seated and wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the self-regulating heated vest. Primary Dependent variables: core body temperature (Tcore), cognitive performance, and thermal comfort. Receives: Device: Heated Vest |
| Non-Heated Vest control condition (persons with tetraplegia) | Active comparator | The same subjects with tetraplegia from the experimental arm, while seated and wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized, similarly insulated, but non-heated vest (control condition). Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the non-heated vest. Primary Dependent variables: core body temperature (Tcore), cognitive performance, and thermal comfort. Receives: Device: Non-Heated Vest |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Core Body Temperature (Tcore)
Tcore will be continuously monitored throughout baseline and thermal challenge periods (with heated \& non-heated vests) by a TX-2 Rectal probe and Iso-Thermex Multichannel Thermometer (Columbus Instruments, Columbus, OH). The probe will be placed 10 cm beyond the anal sphincter.
Measured: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): Continuously throughout baseline & Thermal Challenge (2 hrs) periods. The change in Tcore from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Change in Cognitive Performance: WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition)
WAIS-IV Digit Span test has 3, 16-point sections (Forward, Backward, Sequence) and assesses attention, processing speed, and working memory.
Cognitive battery is administered at BL, after Thermal Challenge (tetra only). Testing conditions are distraction-free.
The Forward section has 16 numerical sequences of successive increasing length (each 1 point). Participant is read the numbers, then asked to repeat the test numbers in the same order. In Backward, participant is asked to repeat the numbers in reverse order. In Sequence portion, the participant is asked to repeat the numbers in ascending order.
Sections add to a WAIS-IV Total Score of 48. The greater the score, the better the cognitive function. The minimum score, which would represent not being able to repeat even the first sequence of numbers, is 0.
We report the difference in WAIS-IV score before and after the cold challenge. The more negative the difference, the more cognitive impairment after cold challenge.
Measured: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined. Each WAIS is 10 min
Change in Cognitive Performance: Delayed Recall
Delayed Recall section of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Subjects will be asked to repeat 5 simple words immediately and then recall them after a 5-minute delay to assess working memory.
In scoring the MoCA, one point is awarded for each of the five words. Thus, the score ranges from 0 (no words remembered) to 5 (all words remembered). A higher score represents a more intact delayed recall capacity.
We administered the Delayed Recall of the MoCA before and after the cold challenge, in both the heated vest (powered) and non-heated vest control condition. The reported measure is the mean difference in MoCA Delayed Recall scores before and after the cold challenge. Here, a more negative number represents a greater degree of impairment in delayed recall (working memory) after the cold challenge.
Measured: Visits 2 & 3 tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined. Each assessment requires 6 min.
Change in Cognitive Performance: Stroop
Stroop Color and Word: Subjects will be asked to read words of colors, colors of fonts to assess attention and processing speed; color of fonts of words which describe conflicting colors to assess response inhibition (executive functioning).
Each assessment is 4 min.
The Stroop Test yields three scores. The Raw Word score is the number of words correctly completed on the Word page in 45 seconds. Similarly for Color, and Color-Word. For example, in the color-word section, a participant correctly identifying the color of 61 words, the score is 61.
Greater scores reflects greater executive functioning. Zero is the minimum score, which corresponds to not being able to read any of the words of colors or colors of fonts. Each words of colors or color of fonts correctly identified in time confer 1 point.
We report the difference in Word-Color before the cold challenge and after the cold challenge, for each intervention. Negative differences represent impaired executive function.
Measured: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Thermal Comfort (TC)
Thermal Comfort will be measured every 10 minutes throughout BL and thermal challenge periods by the Zhang 6-point thermal comfort scale: +3 (very comfortable), +2 (comfortable), +1 (just comfortable), -1 (just uncomfortable), -2 (uncomfortable), and -3 (very uncomfortable). A greater frequency of +1, +2, and +3 scores are considered more desirable than -1, -2, and -3 scores during the Thermal Challenge.
Each assessment requires only the time needed for the subject to respond (typically less than 10 seconds).
Measured: Visits 1, 2, & 3 (all subjects): During baseline & every 10 minutes throughout Thermal Challenge (2 hrs). The change in TC from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Sep 2018
- Study start25 Feb 2020
- Primary completion31 Oct 2022
- Study completion31 Oct 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Spinal Cord InjuriesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by VA Office of Research and DevelopmentThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- After the heated vest has 1) been fully bench-tested and 2) satisfied safety and tolerability testing in able-bodied subjects, it will be tested in persons with tetraplegia using a crossover design with the order of the two visits randomized. 1. Thermal Challenge with heated vest (subjects with tetraplegia only): Subjects with tetraplegia, while seated and wearing only a standard T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the self-regulating heated vest. 2. Thermal Challenge with non-heated vest (subjects with tetraplegia only): The same subjects with tetraplegia (from Visit 2), while seated and wearing only a standard T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized, similar, but non-heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 17 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Sponsor type
- US federal agency
- Collaborators
- United States Military Academy West Point
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- John Philip Handrakis, PT DPT EdD, Principal investigator, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03662308
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- B2884-P
- Other IDs
- 1I21RX002884-01A1
- Status last verified
- May 2024
- First submitted
- 30 Jul 2018
- Last updated
- 6 May 2024
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Zhang H, Huizenga C, Arens E, Wang D. Thermal sensation and comfort in transient non-uniform thermal environments. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2004 Sep;92(6):728-33. doi: 10.1007/s00421-004-1137-y.
PubMed 15221406
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 May 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Developing a Feedback-Controlled Heated Vest to Address Thermoregulatory Dysfunction in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03662308
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- B2884-P
- Conditions
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Keywords
- Hypothermia, Body Temperature Regulation, Cognition
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 17 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- VA Office of Research and DevelopmentUS federal agency
- Collaborators
- United States Military Academy West Point
- Study start
- 25 Feb 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Sep 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 1 Feb 2024
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Persons with higher levels of spinal cord injury (above the 2nd thoracic vertebrae; tetraplegia) are unable to maintain normal core body temperature (Tcore) when exposed to cool environments. In persons with tetraplegia, even limited exposure to cool temperatures may cause Tcore to approach hypothermic values and impair cognitive performance. Conversely, an increase in Tcore from subnormal to normal range may improve cognitive performance. Prior work has shown that cool seasonal temperatures have an adverse effect on personal comfort and the ability to perform vital daily activities of self-care in persons with tetraplegia. Interventions that address the vulnerability to hypothermia are limited. A self-regulating heated vest designed specifically for persons with tetraplegia is a novel and promising strategy to address this problem. By more effectively maintaining Tcore, the vest can decrease the adverse impact of cool temperatures on comfort, quality of life, and performance of vital daily tasks for Veterans with tetraplegia during the cooler seasons.
Detailed description
Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly cervical injuries (tetraplegia), are unable to effectively regulate core body temperature (Tcore) due to interruption of motor, sensory, and sympathetic pathways. Thus, control of distal extremity vasoconstriction (heat conservation) and shivering thermogenesis (heat production) are impaired, and the ability to maintain a constant Tcore is compromised. Persons with tetraplegia often report "feeling cold," frequently present with subnormal Tcore (35-36.5 degrees C), and are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia (Tcore<35 degrees C) and associated impairment in cognitive performance, even when exposed to temperatures that are comfortable for able-bodied (AB) individuals. Cool seasonal temperatures have been shown to have a greater adverse effect on personal comfort, activities of daily living (ADLs), and vital daily activities in persons with tetraplegia than that of AB controls. Conversely, a minimal increase in Tcore from subnormal to normothermia, secondary to ambient heat may improve cognitive performance. Interventions addressing the tendency to poikilothermia and enhanced vulnerability to hypothermia in persons with tetraplegia are limited. Therefore, exploration of safe and efficacious bioengineering solutions to address the physiological, cognitive, and quality of life (QoL) issues associated with the routine exposure to cool temperatures that persons with tetraplegia often encounter is warranted.
The goals of this pilot study are to: 1) fully bench-test the heated vest for safety before performing any human subject testing; 2) study the safety and tolerability of a feedback-controlled heated vest in AB controls; and 3) study the efficacy of this heated vest to minimize the expected decline in Tcore and associated deterioration of cognitive performance during 2 hours of cool exposure in persons with tetraplegia.
In persons with tetraplegia, a two-condition (heated vest, non-heated vest) prospective study is being proposed to compare the physiological and cognitive responses to 2 hours of controlled cool exposure (18 degrees C) with a prototype heated vest vs. a similar, but non-heated vest (control condition). Eight subjects with tetraplegia (C3-T1, AIS A and B) and eight AB controls will be recruited for study participation. Before the prototype is tested on human subjects, it will have been fully bench tested and have satisfied all safety requirements and specifications. AB subjects will be observed to ensure the safety of the vest, which will be accomplished by determining the temperatures of the vest ( 39 degrees C) and subjective thermal sensation of no greater than "warm" during a cool condition that will be identical to the condition which subjects with SCI will be exposed. Subjects with tetraplegia will test the efficacy of the heated vest, i.e. preventing the expected decline in Tcore and cognitive performance and increase in thermal comfort.
After the feedback-controlled heated vest has been fully bench-tested and has satisfied all safety requirements (interior vest temperature does not exceed 39 degrees C at maximal power) and design specifications (lightweight, slim, easy to don doff), the following specific aims will be addressed:
Primary Specific Aim: In a cool thermal chamber (18 degrees C), AB controls will wear the heated vest at maximal setting for 120 minutes in the seated position to determine (1) maximum temperatures of all areas of the interior (user's side) of the heated vest and (2) subjective comfort of the heated vest (safety testing).
Primary Hypotheses: The study of AB controls will demonstrate (1) All areas under the vest will have temperatures 39 degrees C. (2) All subjects will report a thermal sensation no greater than "warm" this would include identification of "hot spots" (Zhang 9-point Thermal Sensation Scale).
Secondary Specific Aim: During exposure to a cool environment (18 degrees C) for up to 120 minutes in the seated position, persons with tetraplegia will wear the heated vest to determine (1) change in Tcore, (2) change in cognitive performance, and (3) change in thermal comfort (efficacy testing).
Secondary Hypotheses: In persons with tetraplegia wearing the heated vest compared to the same persons wearing the non-heated vest, it's expected that (1) 30% of the subjects will have a decline of 0.5 degrees C in Tcore compared with 80% in the control condition, (2) 30% of the subjects will demonstrate a decline of at least 1 T-score in at least one of the following measures: Interference of Stroop Color and Word test, Digit Span of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition, compared with 80% in the control condition, and (3) a greater percentage of subjects reporting increased thermal comfort (Zhang 6-point Comfort Scale).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- After the heated vest has 1) been fully bench-tested and 2) satisfied safety and tolerability testing in able-bodied subjects, it will be tested in persons with tetraplegia using a crossover design with the order of the two visits randomized. 1. Thermal Challenge with heated vest (subjects with tetraplegia only): Subjects with tetraplegia, while seated and wearing only a standard T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the self-regulating heated vest. 2. Thermal Challenge with non-heated vest (subjects with tetraplegia only): The same subjects with tetraplegia (from Visit 2), while seated and wearing only a standard T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized, similar, but non-heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Vest Safety & Comfort (able-bodied subjects) | Other | Device: Heated VestAble-bodied controls will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest, while wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, and will remain seated in a wheelchair. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for 2 hours with the heated vest on full power. Outcome Variables for Visit 1: Skin thermocouple temperatures, subjective ratings of thermal sensation. |
| Heated Vest Efficacy (persons with tetraplegia) | Experimental | Device: Heated VestSubjects with tetraplegia, while seated and wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized heated vest. Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the self-regulating heated vest. Primary Dependent variables: core body temperature (Tcore), cognitive performance, and thermal comfort. |
| Non-Heated Vest control condition (persons with tetraplegia) | Active comparator | Device: Non-Heated VestThe same subjects with tetraplegia from the experimental arm, while seated and wearing only a standard cotton T-shirt and shorts, will be fitted with an appropriately sized, similarly insulated, but non-heated vest (control condition). Subjects will be transferred to a pre-cooled (18 degrees C) thermal chamber and data will be collected for up to 2 hours with the non-heated vest. Primary Dependent variables: core body temperature (Tcore), cognitive performance, and thermal comfort. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 68 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and able-bodied subjects will be recruited according to the following criteria:
- Duration of injury 1 year
- Neurological Level of SCI [C3-T1]; American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A \& B
- Euhydration
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Known heart, kidney, peripheral vascular or cerebrovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- History of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or diagnosed cognitive impairment
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Diabetes mellitus
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Heated VestAlso: Feedback-controlled heated vestHeated vest that regulates its heat output based on the user's skin, the user's core temperature, and the ambient temperature | Device | Heated Vest Efficacy (persons with tetraplegia), Heated Vest Safety & Comfort (able-bodied subjects) |
| Non-Heated VestAlso: Active comparator vest, control conditionA similarly insulated (compared to the experimental vest), but non-heated vest | Device | Non-Heated Vest control condition (persons with tetraplegia) |
Primary outcome
Change in Core Body Temperature (Tcore)
Time frame: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): Continuously throughout baseline & Thermal Challenge (2 hrs) periods. The change in Tcore from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Tcore will be continuously monitored throughout baseline and thermal challenge periods (with heated \& non-heated vests) by a TX-2 Rectal probe and Iso-Thermex Multichannel Thermometer (Columbus Instruments, Columbus, OH). The probe will be placed 10 cm beyond the anal sphincter.
Change in Cognitive Performance: WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition)
Time frame: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined. Each WAIS is 10 min
WAIS-IV Digit Span test has 3, 16-point sections (Forward, Backward, Sequence) and assesses attention, processing speed, and working memory. Cognitive battery is administered at BL, after Thermal Challenge (tetra only). Testing conditions are distraction-free. The Forward section has 16 numerical sequences of successive increasing length (each 1 point). Participant is read the numbers, then asked to repeat the test numbers in the same order. In Backward, participant is asked to repeat the numbers in reverse order. In Sequence portion, the participant is asked to repeat the numbers in ascending order. Sections add to a WAIS-IV Total Score of 48. The greater the score, the better the cognitive function. The minimum score, which would represent not being able to repeat even the first sequence of numbers, is 0. We report the difference in WAIS-IV score before and after the cold challenge. The more negative the difference, the more cognitive impairment after cold challenge.
Change in Cognitive Performance: Delayed Recall
Time frame: Visits 2 & 3 tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined. Each assessment requires 6 min.
Delayed Recall section of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Subjects will be asked to repeat 5 simple words immediately and then recall them after a 5-minute delay to assess working memory. In scoring the MoCA, one point is awarded for each of the five words. Thus, the score ranges from 0 (no words remembered) to 5 (all words remembered). A higher score represents a more intact delayed recall capacity. We administered the Delayed Recall of the MoCA before and after the cold challenge, in both the heated vest (powered) and non-heated vest control condition. The reported measure is the mean difference in MoCA Delayed Recall scores before and after the cold challenge. Here, a more negative number represents a greater degree of impairment in delayed recall (working memory) after the cold challenge.
Change in Cognitive Performance: Stroop
Time frame: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): At the end baseline (at 15 min) & end of Thermal Challenge (at 120 min) periods. The change in cognitive performance from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Stroop Color and Word: Subjects will be asked to read words of colors, colors of fonts to assess attention and processing speed; color of fonts of words which describe conflicting colors to assess response inhibition (executive functioning). Each assessment is 4 min. The Stroop Test yields three scores. The Raw Word score is the number of words correctly completed on the Word page in 45 seconds. Similarly for Color, and Color-Word. For example, in the color-word section, a participant correctly identifying the color of 61 words, the score is 61. Greater scores reflects greater executive functioning. Zero is the minimum score, which corresponds to not being able to read any of the words of colors or colors of fonts. Each words of colors or color of fonts correctly identified in time confer 1 point. We report the difference in Word-Color before the cold challenge and after the cold challenge, for each intervention. Negative differences represent impaired executive function.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Thermal Comfort (TC)
Time frame: Visits 1, 2, & 3 (all subjects): During baseline & every 10 minutes throughout Thermal Challenge (2 hrs). The change in TC from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 May 2024.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Background: PubMed 15221406Zhang H, Huizenga C, Arens E, Wang D. Thermal sensation and comfort in transient non-uniform thermal environments. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2004 Sep;92(6):728-33. doi: 10.1007/s00421-004-1137-y.
- Spinal Cord Damage Research CenterLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Spinal Cord Injuries
Recruiting
MyHand-SCI: An Active Hand Orthosis for Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injuries, Tetraplegia
Recruiting
Clinical Outcome Assessment for AT & BCI
Spinal Cord Injury, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Recruiting
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined With 4-Aminopyridine and Intensive Rehabilitation in SCI
Spinal Cord Injuries
Not yet recruiting
Evaluating the Effect of the Zeen Mobility Device on Clinical Practicality, Safety, and Impact (Via Assessments of Walking, Standing Tolerance, Balance, Endurance, Effort, and Participation in Daily Tasks) in an Outpatient Rehabilitation Setting for Individuals With Mobility Impairments.
Stroke, Parkinson's Disease (PD)
RecruitingPhase 3
A Trial Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of NVG-291 in Subjects With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
John Philip Handrakis, PT DPT EdD principal investigator
James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Heated Vest and Non-Heated Vest in people with Spinal Cord Injuries, run by VA Office of Research and Development 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 7 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 6 May 2024. 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 1 Feb 2024). 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?
Change in Core Body Temperature (Tcore) (time frame: Visits 2 & 3 (subjects with tetraplegia only): Continuously throughout baseline & Thermal Challenge (2 hrs) periods. The change in Tcore from baseline to the end of Thermal Challenge will be determined.). The study lists 4 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 NCT03662308, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 6 May 2024.