Improving sleep-related issues in spinal cord injury patients with CPAP therapy

Psychosocial, Cognitive, and Behavioral Consequences of Sleep-disordered Breathing in Spinal Cord Injured People

Not applicable Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT04007380

This study is testing if using CPAP therapy at night can help improve sleep problems and overall well-being in adults with spinal cord injuries who have breathing issues during sleep.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04007380 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in addressing the psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioral impacts of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study will involve a single-arm trial with 24 adults who have moderate-to-severe SRBDs, assessing the impact of nightly CPAP use over four months. Additionally, it will explore the challenges faced by participants during the diagnosis and treatment process. The goal is to enhance fatigue, mood, cognition, quality of life, and social participation among this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older with traumatic cervical or thoracic spinal cord injuries who have not been diagnosed with a sleep disorder prior to their injury.

Not a fit: Patients with non-traumatic spinal cord diseases, significant psychiatric disorders, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life and mental health of patients with spinal cord injuries by effectively managing their sleep-related breathing disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using CPAP therapy for this population is less explored, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in managing sleep disorders in other patient groups.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English-speaking adults 18 years of age or older
* Have traumatic cervical/thoracic (injury level at C5 to T10), severe or moderate (AIS A, B, or C) SCI who were not diagnosed with a sleep disorder prior to the injury.
* At least 2 months after injury
* Clinical warning symptoms and/or signs for SRBDs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a non-traumatic spinal cord disease at risk for neurologic progression
* Concomitant diseases of the central nervous system
* Preinjury chronic pain
* Psychiatric disorders that may prevent the participant to be compliant to the study protocol requirements
* Neuromuscular diseases
* Current substance misuse
* History of primary hypersomnia
* Hypothyroidism
* Moderate or severe iron deficiency anemia
* Active infection
* Kidney failure
* Epilepsy
* Chronic fatigue syndrome
* Vitamin B12 deficiency

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Cord InjuriesSleep ApneaSpinal cord injuriesSleep-related breathing disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.