Monitoring respiratory muscles in patients with spinal cord injury during mechanical ventilation

Role of ACCESsory Muscles in Mechanically Ventilated Patients After Spinal Cord Injury and Trauma: a Physiological Study - The ACCESSIT Study

Observational Unity Health Toronto · NCT05207046

This study looks at how spinal cord injuries affect breathing muscles in patients on mechanical ventilation to see if they can recover and improve their breathing over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05207046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize and monitor the structure, activation, and function of respiratory muscles in patients with traumatic spine lesions requiring mechanical ventilation. It focuses on understanding how spinal cord injuries affect respiratory muscle coordination and function, particularly during the acute phase in intensive care. By assessing these factors over time, the study seeks to identify potential for recovery and training of respiratory muscles, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients. The study will utilize non-invasive monitoring techniques to gather data on respiratory muscle performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 16 and older with traumatic spine lesions requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to have treatment withdrawn within 24 hours or have chronic respiratory failure prior to the injury may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of respiratory muscle recovery in spinal cord injury patients, potentially leading to improved weaning from mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: While the study addresses a critical gap in understanding respiratory muscle function in spinal cord injury, similar approaches have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of traumatic spine lesion (with and without spinal cord injury)
* Requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, via oro-tracheal or tracheostomy tube,
* 16 years of age or older
* Patient or substitute decision maker able to provide consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Expected withdrawal of treatments within 24 hours of screening
* Chronic respiratory failure already treated with mechanical ventilation before the injury
* Documented pre-existing neuromuscular diseases

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 Respiratory SupportSpinal cord injuryTraumaRespiratory musclesMechanical ventilationAcute respiratory failureDiaphragm dysfunction
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.