Effects of high-intensity exercise on heart and brain function in spinal cord injury patients

The Effects of an Acute High-intensity Interval Training on Heart and Brain Function in People with Spinal Cord Injury

This study tests if a single session of high-intensity exercise can help improve heart and brain function in people with spinal cord injuries compared to those without injuries.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: State University of New York at Buffalo (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Buffalo, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT06274658 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how a single session of high-intensity interval training impacts heart and brain function in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) compared to age- and sex-matched non-injured controls. Participants will undergo two visits at the University at Buffalo, where their heart and brain responses will be measured during and after exercise. The study aims to determine if high-intensity exercise can improve autonomic regulation and cognitive processing in this population, which is often affected by disrupted autonomic nervous system control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the 6th thoracic vertebra who have sufficient upper body strength and are at least six months post-injury.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions that prevent safe exercise, such as unstable angina or uncontrolled hypertension, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise recommendations for individuals with spinal cord injuries, enhancing their cardiovascular health and cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes from high-intensity exercise in non-injured populations, but this approach in individuals with spinal cord injuries is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with a traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury and have ≥4/5 strength in at least one cervical 5 myotome (elbow flexors), allowing to utilize the arm ergometer and level of injury at or above the 6th thoracic vertebra
2. Classified as A, B, C, D (motor and sensory complete or incomplete) on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS)
3. Longer than 6 months post the onset of injury and have been discharged to the community from inpatient rehabilitation prior to enrollment
4. English is the first language
5. At least one of the cerebral arteries (i.e., middle cerebral artery and/or posterior cerebral artery) can be found via transcranial Doppler

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Medical conditions that preclude exercise, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, a recent history of congestive heart failure that has not been evaluated and effectively treated, severe valvular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., resting systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 105 mmHg)
2. Moderate-severe traumatic brain injury
3. Diabetes
4. Color blindness
5. Pre-existing shoulder injuries
6. Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York

• University at Buffalo, South Campus — Buffalo, New York, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Wenjie Ji, MS — University at Buffalo
• Study coordinator: Wenjie Ji, MS

Conditions: Autonomic Nervous System Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries, Cognition