Tele-Exercise program to empower movement for people with spinal cord injury

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial compares a synchronous tele-exercise program (TEEMS) to an asynchronous, video-library control for adults with SCI. It uses a parallel-group, mixed-methods design to collect quantitative outcomes and qualitative participant experiences, all conducted remotely to improve access. The goal is to boost exercise participation, self-efficacy, and related psychosocial determinants, with outcomes assessed up to 16 weeks. Recruitment targets individuals at least 12 months post-SCI, ages 18–75, with functional mobility and appropriate medical clearance. Data will integrate objective participation metrics with participant-reported perspectives to understand how tele-exercise affects independence and engagement in physical activity.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. at least 12 months post SCI (motor spinal level C5 or below)
2. between 18-75 years of age
3. ability to elevate shoulders \>25% range
4. use assistive technology for mobility
5. not currently receiving structured rehabilitation (i.e. new episode of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services to treat a new or exacerbated mobility issue. Individuals attending outpatient services for ongoing wellness reasons are eligible to participate).
6. screened and medically cleared (if appropriate) for participation using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Preparticipation Health Screening Tool. The ACSM Health Screen helps to determine if an individuals should seek a medical referral prior to participation in exercise. The guideline for the screening are based on (1) current exercise participation, (2) history and symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease, and (3) desired exercise intensity. The algorithm is based on risk stratification and minimizing the barriers of exercise participation by decreasing the number of unnecessary medical referrals.

   For this study and the safety of participants, those who need a medical referral based on the ACSM preparticipation health screen will be required to provide documentation of medical clearance from their primary medical provider prior to study participation. Dr. York will review screening information and medical clearances to ensure safe inclusion.
7. internet access to attend synchronous exercise classes

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known or suggestive cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or renal disease and/or presence of absolute or relative contraindications to exercise participation that is considered unsafe by their medical team
2. self-report previous hospitalization within a month,
3. self report active pressure injury
4. self report recent osteoporotic fracture
5. self-report uncorrectable vision loss,
6. self-report preexisting neurological conditions other than SCI

Where it's running

• Drexel University Health Science Building
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Margaret Finley, PT, PhD — Drexel University
• Study coordinator: Margaret F Finley, PT, PhD
• Email: SCIexerciseonline@drexel.edu
• Phone: 4107462112

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.