Assessing CPAP therapy for sleep apnea in para-athletes with spinal cord injuries
Sleep Apnea in Paralympic Ontario-Resident aThletes With Spinal Cord Injury (SPORTS) Study
This study tests if CPAP therapy can help para-athletes with spinal cord injuries sleep better, feel less tired and anxious, and improve their overall quality of life and sports performance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06195878 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in managing moderate-to-severe sleep-related breathing disorders among para-athletes with spinal cord injuries. The study focuses on how CPAP therapy can improve cognitive function, reduce fatigue, depression, and anxiety, and enhance overall quality of life. Additionally, it aims to assess the impact of CPAP on sports performance and the perceived risk of injuries in this population. Participants will include English-speaking adults who engage in high-performance wheelchair sports.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older with cervical or thoracic spinal cord injuries who participate in high-performance wheelchair sports.
Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea or those with certain central nervous system conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life and athletic performance of para-athletes suffering from sleep apnea.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, suggesting this approach may be effective for this specific population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a cervical or thoracic, complete or incomplete (AIS A to D), chronic (\> 6 months) SCI; * English-speaking adults (18 years of age or older); and * Play a wheelchair sport at a high-performance level. Exclusion Criteria: * A previous history of diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea; * Concomitant diseases of the central nervous system and other pre-existing diseases of the central nervous system; * Current substance misuse; * History of primary hypersomnia, or secondary hypersomnia of any cause except for SRBDs. * Conditions that might prevent participants to follow the study protocol.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Toronto Rehab - Lyndhurst Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. Julio Furlan — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Abrity Gomes
- Email: abrity.gomes@uhn.ca
- Phone: 4165973422
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.