Deficit-specific Training in Spinal Disorders

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH · Feb 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Summary of the Clinical Trial: Deficit-specific Training in Spinal Disorders**

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help improve walking abilities in individuals with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. Many people with these conditions experience difficulties walking due to various reasons, such as muscle weakness or problems with balance. The goal of this study is to see if a personalized training program, which focuses on each person's specific walking challenges identified through advanced 3D movement analysis, can lead to better outcomes than standard walking therapy. Participants will either receive this tailored training or the usual therapy for six weeks, and researchers hope to find that the personalized approach helps them walk better.

To join the study, participants must be between 18 and 80 years old and have a chronic spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis with confirmed spinal cord lesions. They should also be able to walk without help on a treadmill or over a short distance but have some issues with their walking. It's important to note that women who are pregnant, individuals with certain serious health conditions, or those currently participating in other training studies cannot join. This trial is currently recruiting participants and aims to develop more effective and individualized training programs for those with spinal cord damage, potentially improving their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-80 years
• • Diagnosis of chronic spinal cord injury (\>6 months cervical or thoracic motor incomplete traumatic or non-traumatic (AIS C, D) above T12 or diagnosis of either primary- progressive, secondary-progressive, or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis as defined by the revised McDonald criteria for at least 3 months and with at least one spinal cord lesion as verified in clinical MRI images
• • Able to walk without assistance or devices on the treadmill and 10m over ground, but must have impaired walking function as demonstrated by neurological examination.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
• • Current orthopaedic problems of lower limbs
• • History of major cardiac condition (e.g., infarction, insufficiency (NYHA II-IV))
• • History of major pulmonary condition (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease GOLD II-IV)
• • Current major depression or psychosis
• • MS exacerbation within 3 months prior to the screening or at any time during the screening period
• • Participation in another training study