Kayak training for improving trunk control in spinal cord injury patients

Effect of Kayak Ergometer Training in Trunk Control, Independence and Cardiovascular Health in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

NA · Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion · NCT03531164

This study tests whether kayak training can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their trunk control and overall health compared to standard exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion (other gov)
Locations1 site (Mexico City)
Trial IDNCT03531164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of kayak ergometer training on trunk control, cardiovascular health, and independence in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a kayak training group or a control group that receives neuro proprioceptive facilitation exercises. The study aims to enhance functional capacity and reduce the risk of chronic conditions associated with spinal cord injuries. The evaluation will be conducted by blinded assessors to ensure objectivity in the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with spinal cord injuries at the neurologic level of C8 and below, who are between three months to one year post-injury.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diagnoses, significant orthopedic issues, or cardiovascular/metabolic diseases that interfere with training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve trunk control and overall independence for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific intervention using kayak ergometer training is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of spinal cord injury with any American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) classification
* Neurologic level below C8
* Time since injury form 3 to 12 months
* Any aetiology

Exclusion Criteria:

* Another neurologic diagnosis
* Sense organ alteration
* Orthopaedic problem that interferes with training
* Alteration in superior mental function
* Cardiovascular or metabolic disease that interferes with trainig

Where this trial is running

Mexico City

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, spinal cord injuries, kayak, trunk control

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.