Tele-Exercise to Promote Empowered Movement in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by DREXEL UNIVERSITY · Jun 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the Tele-Exercise to Promote Empowered Movement in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury (TEEMS), is studying how a virtual exercise program can help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) stay active and improve their quality of life. The trial will compare two groups: one that participates in live online exercise classes and another that uses pre-recorded exercise videos. The goal is to see if being part of a live group helps participants feel more confident and motivated to exercise independently, which can reduce their reliance on caregivers.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 18 and 75 years old, have had a spinal cord injury for at least a year, and be able to lift their shoulders. They should also use mobility aids and not be currently in structured rehabilitation for a new issue. Participants will need access to the internet to join the exercise classes. Throughout the study, everything will be conducted online, making it easier for people to participate from home. This trial aims to understand how virtual exercise can enhance the health and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. at least 12 months post SCI (motor spinal level C5 or below)
• • 2. between 18-75 years of age
• • 3. ability to elevate shoulders \>25% range
• • 4. use assistive technology for mobility
• • 5. 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).
• • 6. 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.
• • 7. internet access to attend synchronous exercise classes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 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
• • 2. self-report previous hospitalization within a month,
• • 3. self report active pressure injury
• • 4. self report recent osteoporotic fracture
• • 5. self-report uncorrectable vision loss,
• • 6. self-report preexisting neurological conditions other than SCI