CompletedNot Applicable

Diaphragm Pacing in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries

United States6 participantsStarted 2020-01-10

Plain-language summary

This project will evaluate the effects of intramuscular diaphragm stimulation (pacing) and test the hypothesis that diaphragm pacing enhances neuromuscular diaphragm activation and respiratory function in adults with cervical spinal cord injuries (C-SCIs). The investigators will test the hypothesis by recording activity of the diaphragm from intramuscular pacing electrodes and conduct respiratory assessments in adults with intramuscular diaphragm pacing electrodes following acute, traumatic C-SCIs.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Acute, traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (C-SCIs), classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) as A-C * Scheduled to undergo implantation of a diaphragm pacer, or who have recently received (in past 5-days) implantation of intramuscular diaphragm pacing electrodes due to severe respiratory impairments and dependence on mechanical ventilation Exclusion Criteria: * Progressive neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis * History of neurologic injuries such as stroke or prior SCI * Chest wall injuries or deformities likely to influence breathing * Pregnancy * Cognitive impairments limiting study participation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Electromyogram (EMG)

Timeframe: Baseline up to 24 hours

Change in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

Timeframe: Baseline up to 24 hours

Change in Tidal Volume

Timeframe: Baseline up to 24 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04179799

SponsorUniversity of Florida

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2022-08-20

Results submitted2024-01-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cervical Spinal Cord Injury trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.