Spinal Cord InjuryTEEMSNCT07022808
Tele-Exercise to Promote Empowered Movement in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
A study testing Synchronous Group exercise in people with Spinal Cord Injury, run by Drexel University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
To achieve our specific aims and hypotheses we will conduct a parallel group mixed methods randomized control trial comparing participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous video library equivalent (control). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Spinal Cord Injury
- What is being tested?
- Synchronous Group exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 May 2026to 31 Aug 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- at least 12 months post SCI (motor spinal level C5 or below)
- between 18-75 years of age
- ability to elevate shoulders >25% range
- use assistive technology for mobility
- not currently receiving structured rehabilitation (i.e. new episode of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services to treat a new or exacerbated mobility issue. Individuals attending outpatient services for ongoing wellness reasons are eligible to participate).
- screened and medically cleared (if appropriate) for participation using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Preparticipation Health Screening Tool. The ACSM Health Screen helps to determine if an individuals should seek a medical referral prior to participation in exercise. The guideline for the screening are based on (1) current exercise participation, (2) history and symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease, and (3) desired exercise intensity. The algorithm is based on risk stratification and minimizing the barriers of exercise participation by decreasing the number of unnecessary medical referrals.
- For this study and the safety of participants, those who need a medical referral based on the ACSM preparticipation health screen will be required to provide documentation of medical clearance from their primary medical provider prior to study participation. Dr. York will review screening information and medical clearances to ensure safe inclusion.
- internet access to attend synchronous exercise classes
Who cannot join
- Known or suggestive cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or renal disease and/or presence of absolute or relative contraindications to exercise participation that is considered unsafe by their medical team
- self-report previous hospitalization within a month,
- self report active pressure injury
- self report recent osteoporotic fracture
- self-report uncorrectable vision loss,
- self-report preexisting neurological conditions other than SCI
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD contact
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Drexel University Health Science Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
Margaret Finley, PT, PhD, 410-746-2112, maf378@drexel.edu
Laura Baehr, PT, PhD, lab397@drexel.edu
About this study
Official title: Tele-Exercise to Promote Empowered Movement in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, TEEMS
To achieve our specific aims and hypotheses we will conduct a parallel group mixed methods randomized control trial comparing participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous video library equivalent (control). The use of mixed methods will allow for the integration of quantitative findings with the qualitative, lived perspective of participants to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tele-exercise program outcomes. All aspects of the study from recruitment, screening, data collection, tele-exercise delivery and team meetings will be virtual to promote access and inclusion by removing barriers and promoting engagement. This study will compare our live group TEEMS program with individual pre-recorded exercise videos. We created TEEMS with the intention of maximizing exercise independence for participants, which decreases need for caregivers during physical activity. The design and participation in TEEMS is meant to increase personal factors that facilitate participation in exercise. These personal factors include confidence and positive associations with exercise. When these personal factors are targeted, individuals with SCI are more likely to participate in physical activity, which supports overall health and QoL.
Read the detailed description
Background: Over half of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report no regular physical activity, a cornerstone for independent function and psychosocial health. Studies confirm comparable prevalence and disruptive impact of SCI inactivity/sedentary lifestyle in the civilian and military community, as well as similar barriers to exercise participation. The proposed study will simultaneously address barriers and promote facilitators of physical activity behavior through expert SCI-specific knowledge, peer mentoring, group cohesion, creating autonomy and self-efficacy, mechanisms of engagement that are relevant across both military and civilian sectors.
Hypothesis/Objectives: Our broad research objective is to determine the effectiveness of a novel group exercise program, (Tele Exercise to promote Empowered Movement with Spinal Cord Injury, TEEMS) that will foster the development of lifelong physical activity behavior by enhancing self-efficacy, specifically as it pertains to exercise. This is facilitated through expert knowledge translation with peer interaction and mentoring. We hypothesize that greater improvements in physical activity participation and psychosocial determinants will be found following participation in TEEMS compared to the control group and will be retained at 16-weeks.
Specific Aims: Aim 1-3 will determine if participation in the synchronous TEEMS program improves psychosocial determinants (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, resilience, kinesiophobia, quality of life) of physical activity behavior (weekly minutes by self-report, wearable activity monitor) and physical factors (pain behaviors, mobility and sleep disturbance) compared to an asynchronous video program (control). Narrative accounts will elaborate on quantitative findings of psychosocial impact of TEEMS participation. Aim 4 will integrate quantitative findings with qualitative, narrative themes of participation in TEEMS to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of group tele-exercise participation compared to an asynchronous video program.
Study Design: We will conduct a randomized control trial using a parallel mixed methods design comparing synchronous participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous videos (control). Per the mixed methods design the two distinct datasets (quantitative and qualitative) will be independently collected and analyzed in parallel, with the goal of convergent integration. Data will be collected pre-program, post-program (8-weeks) at retention at 16-weeks. Our novel remotely delivered, synchronous tele-exercise program reduces barriers to access and provides peer support in an inclusive SCI-specific program led by experts in adapted exercise and co-led by individuals living with SCI. Our program conceptual framework is Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which emphasizes that influencing sociostructural factors and personal determinants will impact health behaviors including physical activity. Each class will be recorded and upon request, participants will be provided access if they choose to perform a class independently. The control group will receive a bank of 16 videos from the previous 8-week session of the tele-exercise program, with a goal of completing 2 videos/week. They will be provided with instructions on progression through the videos and as with the intervention group access as well as ability to access if they choose to perform a class independently. The control group will have weekly communication with the investigative team as well as one-on-one sessions with the leader and co-leader at baseline, week 3 and week 6 to discuss progression and received feedback. All research activities (recruitment, enrollment, communication, data collection, intervention) will be conducted remotely through web-enhanced video systems (Zoom).
- Conditions
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Being tested
- Synchronous Group exercise, Asynchronous exercise (Control)
- Keywords
- randomized control trial, spinal cord injury, physical activity, tele-exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Spinal Cord Injuries, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Synchronous Group exerciseOther
Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The synchronous group will attend sessions 2 times per week, with all sessions recorded. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Recorded sessions will be made available for participants to use on their own at the end of each week, building a video of 16 videos. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is used as a self-assessment of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise.
Asynchronous exercise (Control)Other
Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (asynchronous video library). The asynchronous, control group will be provided with 2 recorded videos weekly that align with the synchronous group sessions, building a 16 video library as well. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is used as a self-assessment of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Group Exercise | Experimental | All participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention or asynchronous video library). Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The synchronous group will attend sessions 2 times per week, with all sessions recorded. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Recorded sessions will be made available for participants to use on their own at the end of each week, building a video of 16 videos. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is u Receives: Other: Synchronous Group exercise |
| Asynchronous Exercise | Active comparator | The asynchronous control condition will be delivered using a private Youtube playlist. The asynchronous group will be provided with 2 recorded TEEMS videos weekly that align with the synchronous group sessions, building a 16 video library. Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The asynchronous group will perform sessions 2 times per week. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Receives: Other: Asynchronous exercise (Control) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Exercise Self Efficacy
The SCI Exercise Self-efficacy Scale (ESES).This self-report measures the construct of self-efficacy, or personal beliefs in one's capabilities relating to exercise participation in individuals with SCI. Self-efficacy is cited as the most critical personal factor to behavior change. This outcome demonstrates reliability and high internal consistency.
Measured: at baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
Exercise Outcome Expectations
The Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES). This self-report measure addresses physical, social, and self-evaluative components of outcome expectations, another critical element needed for health behavior change. This tool also demonstrates high internal consistency and validity
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks and 16-weeks
Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI)
The Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI) is an SCI-specific, self-report measure of leisure-time physical activity that assesses minutes of mild, moderate, and heavy intensity leisure-time physical activity performed over the previous 7-days. Test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the LTPAQ-SCI has been established. The LTPAQ will be obtained an additional time following participation in the first tele-exercise class.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), one -week, 8-weeks, 16-weeks
Physical Activity Measure.
Physical Activity monitoring: To assess physical activity engagement, mobility function monitoring will be performed by using an activity monitor (GENEActiv) placed on the non-dominant wrist of the individual over a duration of 7 days (matching the duration of the self-report LTPAQ).
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
Subjective Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL)
This questionnaire is a global measure of subjective perception of QoL. The scale is a Likert-type scale measuring satisfaction with life as a whole: Participants are asked to take everything in their life into account and rate it on an ordinal scale from 1 (life is very distressing; it's hard to imagine how it could get much worse) to 7 (life is great; it's hard to imagine how it could get much better).
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
Qualitative data
Focus group data collection will be conducted via secure web-based video conferencing platform (Zoom). Data will be obtained at pre-program and post-program (8-weeks). All participants will join focus group interviews of 5-8 individuals that will take approximately 60 minutes pre (baseline) and post- program (8-weeks). Focus groups will be facilitated by a trained team member and co- facilitated by a lived experience class co-instructor . The open-ended guiding questions will be grounded by the numeric outcomes corresponding to measurement constructs and our previous work.
Measured: baseline, 8-weeks
Secondary outcomes (8)
Loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) -
Loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) - This 20-item measure assesses constructs of loneliness including interpersonal relationships, health, and wellbeing.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Pain phenomena (SCIQOL-PP)
Pain interference and Pain Behavior10 Within the ICF domains of activity and participation, the SCI-QOL measurement system is comprised of 19 item response theory (IRT) calibrated banks/scales across physical, emotional, and social functioning. Each bank is available in a short form (7-10 questions). In clinical or research context, the SCI-QOL is used to document the initial impact of SCI, changes and trajectories. The SCIQOL pain phenomena (pain behavior and pain interference) representing the domain of physical health will be a primary measure. SCIQOL Pain Interference short form (10 items) and the SCIQOL Pain Behavior scale (7 items) are versions of the PROMIS Pain Interference and Pain Behavior item banks, respectively, that have been optimized for individuals with SCI.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Self-esteem (SCI-QOL-SE)
Self-esteem (SCI-QOL-SE)- The Self-Esteem bank of 8 items assesses emotional, evaluative, and cognitive perceptions of personal competence and worth. This self-evaluation provides a reference by which to compare oneself to relevant others in social and socially competitive situations
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Depression (SCI-QOL-DEPR)
Depression (SCI-QOL-DEPR)6-This 10-item short form contains items addressing despair and/or a loss of interest in things as well as feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness the individual has experienced in the past 7 days.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Resilience (SCI-QOL-RES)
Resilience (SCI-QOL-RES)- The Resilience short form bank contains 8 items that address issues such as motivation, coping, and acceptance.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Participation in Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-PSR)
Participation in Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-PSR) - This domain describes the degree of current involvement in social roles, activities, and responsibilities, including work, family, friends and leisure over the past 7 days in a 10-item question bank
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-SSR)
Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-SSR)- The satisfaction with social roles and activity short form contains 10 items with reference to the individual's satisfaction and disappointment with involvement in usual social roles, activities, and responsibilities, including work, family, friends and leisure in the past 7 days.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
General Sleep Disturbance Scale
General Sleep Disturbance Scale: The GSDS is a 21-item scale was designed to evaluate the incidence and nature of sleep disturbances. Questions pertain to a variety of general sleep issues, including problems initiating sleep, waking up during sleep, waking too early from sleep, quality of sleep, quantity of sleep, fatigue and alertness at work, and the use of substances to induce sleep. The GSDS queries respondents regarding the frequency with which they've experienced certain sleep difficulties within the previous week. Respondents use an eight-point, Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (meaning "never") to 7 ("every day") to respond to each item.
Measured: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2025
- Study start4 May 2026
- Primary completion31 Jan 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Spinal Cord InjuryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A parallel group mixed methods randomized control trial comparing participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous video library equivalent (control). The use of mixed methods will allow for the integration of quantitative findings with the qualitative, lived perspective of participants to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tele-exercise program outcomes.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Drexel University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- United States Department of Defense
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Margaret A. Finley, Drexel University
- Investigators
- Margaret Finley, PT, PhD, Principal investigator, Drexel UniversityLaura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD, Principal investigator, Drexel University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07022808
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SC40042_RCT_TEEMS
- Other IDs
- HT94252510367
- Acronym
- TEEMS
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: In accordance with the FAIR practices and standards for sharing of SCI data, we will share final de-identified individual participant outcomes and metadata organized as recommended by ODC-SCI, using formatting standards established by the ODC-SCI. By following these recommendations, we will ensure that our data may be harmonized with other clinical studies and has passed community quality checks. All experimental data will be accompanied by a detailed experimental protocol and additional data and metadata. The protocols will be linked to the experimental data both in the publication and the data sharing platform. ODC-SCI requires the publication of a data dictionary that defines all variables present in the data set in a standard format.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Tele-Exercise to Promote Empowered Movement in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, TEEMS
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07022808
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TEEMS / SC40042_RCT_TEEMS
- Conditions
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Keywords
- randomized control trial, spinal cord injury, physical activity, tele-exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Drexel UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- United States Department of Defense
- Study start
- 4 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To achieve our specific aims and hypotheses we will conduct a parallel group mixed methods randomized control trial comparing participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous video library equivalent (control). The use of mixed methods will allow for the integration of quantitative findings with the qualitative, lived perspective of participants to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tele-exercise program outcomes. All aspects of the study from recruitment, screening, data collection, tele-exercise delivery and team meetings will be virtual to promote access and inclusion by removing barriers and promoting engagement. This study will compare our live group TEEMS program with individual pre-recorded exercise videos. We created TEEMS with the intention of maximizing exercise independence for participants, which decreases need for caregivers during physical activity. The design and participation in TEEMS is meant to increase personal factors that facilitate participation in exercise. These personal factors include confidence and positive associations with exercise. When these personal factors are targeted, individuals with SCI are more likely to participate in physical activity, which supports overall health and QoL.
Detailed description
Background: Over half of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report no regular physical activity, a cornerstone for independent function and psychosocial health. Studies confirm comparable prevalence and disruptive impact of SCI inactivity/sedentary lifestyle in the civilian and military community, as well as similar barriers to exercise participation. The proposed study will simultaneously address barriers and promote facilitators of physical activity behavior through expert SCI-specific knowledge, peer mentoring, group cohesion, creating autonomy and self-efficacy, mechanisms of engagement that are relevant across both military and civilian sectors.
Hypothesis/Objectives: Our broad research objective is to determine the effectiveness of a novel group exercise program, (Tele Exercise to promote Empowered Movement with Spinal Cord Injury, TEEMS) that will foster the development of lifelong physical activity behavior by enhancing self-efficacy, specifically as it pertains to exercise. This is facilitated through expert knowledge translation with peer interaction and mentoring. We hypothesize that greater improvements in physical activity participation and psychosocial determinants will be found following participation in TEEMS compared to the control group and will be retained at 16-weeks.
Specific Aims: Aim 1-3 will determine if participation in the synchronous TEEMS program improves psychosocial determinants (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, resilience, kinesiophobia, quality of life) of physical activity behavior (weekly minutes by self-report, wearable activity monitor) and physical factors (pain behaviors, mobility and sleep disturbance) compared to an asynchronous video program (control). Narrative accounts will elaborate on quantitative findings of psychosocial impact of TEEMS participation. Aim 4 will integrate quantitative findings with qualitative, narrative themes of participation in TEEMS to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of group tele-exercise participation compared to an asynchronous video program.
Study Design: We will conduct a randomized control trial using a parallel mixed methods design comparing synchronous participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous videos (control). Per the mixed methods design the two distinct datasets (quantitative and qualitative) will be independently collected and analyzed in parallel, with the goal of convergent integration. Data will be collected pre-program, post-program (8-weeks) at retention at 16-weeks. Our novel remotely delivered, synchronous tele-exercise program reduces barriers to access and provides peer support in an inclusive SCI-specific program led by experts in adapted exercise and co-led by individuals living with SCI. Our program conceptual framework is Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which emphasizes that influencing sociostructural factors and personal determinants will impact health behaviors including physical activity. Each class will be recorded and upon request, participants will be provided access if they choose to perform a class independently. The control group will receive a bank of 16 videos from the previous 8-week session of the tele-exercise program, with a goal of completing 2 videos/week. They will be provided with instructions on progression through the videos and as with the intervention group access as well as ability to access if they choose to perform a class independently. The control group will have weekly communication with the investigative team as well as one-on-one sessions with the leader and co-leader at baseline, week 3 and week 6 to discuss progression and received feedback. All research activities (recruitment, enrollment, communication, data collection, intervention) will be conducted remotely through web-enhanced video systems (Zoom).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A parallel group mixed methods randomized control trial comparing participation in the TEEMS program with exercise via asynchronous video library equivalent (control). The use of mixed methods will allow for the integration of quantitative findings with the qualitative, lived perspective of participants to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tele-exercise program outcomes.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Group Exercise | Experimental | Other: Synchronous Group exerciseAll participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention or asynchronous video library). Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The synchronous group will attend sessions 2 times per week, with all sessions recorded. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Recorded sessions will be made available for participants to use on their own at the end of each week, building a video of 16 videos. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is u |
| Asynchronous Exercise | Active comparator | Other: Asynchronous exercise (Control)The asynchronous control condition will be delivered using a private Youtube playlist. The asynchronous group will be provided with 2 recorded TEEMS videos weekly that align with the synchronous group sessions, building a 16 video library. Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The asynchronous group will perform sessions 2 times per week. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- at least 12 months post SCI (motor spinal level C5 or below)
- between 18-75 years of age
- ability to elevate shoulders >25% range
- use assistive technology for mobility
- not currently receiving structured rehabilitation (i.e. new episode of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services to treat a new or exacerbated mobility issue. Individuals attending outpatient services for ongoing wellness reasons are eligible to participate).
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Known or suggestive cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or renal disease and/or presence of absolute or relative contraindications to exercise participation that is considered unsafe by their medical team
- self-report previous hospitalization within a month,
- self report active pressure injury
- self report recent osteoporotic fracture
- self-report uncorrectable vision loss,
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Group exerciseParticipants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The synchronous group will attend sessions 2 times per week, with all sessions recorded. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Recorded sessions will be made available for participants to use on their own at the end of each week, building a video of 16 videos. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is used as a self-assessment of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise. | Other | Synchronous Group Exercise |
| Asynchronous exercise (Control)Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (asynchronous video library). The asynchronous, control group will be provided with 2 recorded videos weekly that align with the synchronous group sessions, building a 16 video library as well. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is used as a self-assessment of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise. | Other | Asynchronous Exercise |
Primary outcome
Exercise Self Efficacy
Time frame: at baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
The SCI Exercise Self-efficacy Scale (ESES).This self-report measures the construct of self-efficacy, or personal beliefs in one's capabilities relating to exercise participation in individuals with SCI. Self-efficacy is cited as the most critical personal factor to behavior change. This outcome demonstrates reliability and high internal consistency.
Exercise Outcome Expectations
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks and 16-weeks
The Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES). This self-report measure addresses physical, social, and self-evaluative components of outcome expectations, another critical element needed for health behavior change. This tool also demonstrates high internal consistency and validity
Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), one -week, 8-weeks, 16-weeks
The Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI) is an SCI-specific, self-report measure of leisure-time physical activity that assesses minutes of mild, moderate, and heavy intensity leisure-time physical activity performed over the previous 7-days. Test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the LTPAQ-SCI has been established. The LTPAQ will be obtained an additional time following participation in the first tele-exercise class.
Physical Activity Measure.
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
Physical Activity monitoring: To assess physical activity engagement, mobility function monitoring will be performed by using an activity monitor (GENEActiv) placed on the non-dominant wrist of the individual over a duration of 7 days (matching the duration of the self-report LTPAQ).
Subjective Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks
This questionnaire is a global measure of subjective perception of QoL. The scale is a Likert-type scale measuring satisfaction with life as a whole: Participants are asked to take everything in their life into account and rate it on an ordinal scale from 1 (life is very distressing; it's hard to imagine how it could get much worse) to 7 (life is great; it's hard to imagine how it could get much better).
Qualitative data
Time frame: baseline, 8-weeks
Focus group data collection will be conducted via secure web-based video conferencing platform (Zoom). Data will be obtained at pre-program and post-program (8-weeks). All participants will join focus group interviews of 5-8 individuals that will take approximately 60 minutes pre (baseline) and post- program (8-weeks). Focus groups will be facilitated by a trained team member and co- facilitated by a lived experience class co-instructor . The open-ended guiding questions will be grounded by the numeric outcomes corresponding to measurement constructs and our previous work.
8 secondary outcomes
Loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) -
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Pain phenomena (SCIQOL-PP)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Self-esteem (SCI-QOL-SE)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Depression (SCI-QOL-DEPR)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Resilience (SCI-QOL-RES)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Participation in Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-PSR)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activity (SCI-QOL-SSR)
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
General Sleep Disturbance Scale
Time frame: baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. In accordance with the FAIR practices and standards for sharing of SCI data, we will share final de-identified individual participant outcomes and metadata organized as recommended by ODC-SCI, using formatting standards established by the ODC-SCI. By following these recommendations, we will ensure that our data may be harmonized with other clinical studies and has passed community quality checks. All experimental data will be accompanied by a detailed experimental protocol and additional data and metadata. The protocols will be linked to the experimental data both in the publication and the data sharing platform. ODC-SCI requires the publication of a data dictionary that defines all variables present in the data set in a standard format.
Related trials for Spinal Cord Injury
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.
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD contact
Margaret Finley, PT, PhD principal investigator
Drexel University
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD principal investigator
Drexel University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Synchronous Group exercise in people with Spinal Cord Injury, run by Drexel University 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 8 inclusion and 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jun 2026. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Margaret F Finley, PT, PhD (4107462112, SCIexerciseonline@drexel.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Exercise Self Efficacy (time frame: at baseline (enrollment), 8-weeks, 16-weeks). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 3 Jun 2026.