Using smartphone technology and e-coaching to improve exercise adherence for spinal cord injury patients
Improving Adherence to Spinal Cord Injury Exercise Guidelines Using Smartphone-Based Technology and E-coaching: A Proof-of-Concept SMART-Design Study
This study is testing a smartphone app and e-coaching program to see if it can help people with spinal cord injuries stick to their exercise routines and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05424172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to enhance physical activity among individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) through a tailored smartphone app and e-coaching. The study is divided into three phases: first, focus groups will gather insights from potential app users and clinicians to optimize app design; second, a usability study will assess the app's effectiveness; and third, a randomized trial will evaluate the most effective methods to improve exercise adherence. The goal is to create a low-cost, adaptive telehealth program that supports exercise adherence and improves health outcomes for individuals with SCI.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with a diagnosis of spinal cord injury who are interested in increasing their exercise levels.
Not a fit: Patients with severe visual or cognitive impairments that hinder their ability to use a smartphone may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve exercise adherence and overall health outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology and telehealth interventions to improve adherence to exercise guidelines, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Phase 1 * Individual with diagnosis of SCI, formal or informal caregiver of an individual with an SCI, or clinician that regularly sees individuals with SCI * 18-80 years of age * English-speaking * Willing to download the study apps Exclusion Criteria: Phase 1 * Severe visual or cognitive problems that would affect the ability to complete the study * Does not own, or is unable to use a smartphone Inclusion Criteria: Phase 2 and 3 * Individual with diagnosis of SCI, complete (only paraplegia) or incomplete, cervical C3- C4 and below * 18-80 years of age * English-speaking * Use a wheelchair as primary means of mobility or walk with or without assistive equipment * At least 1-year post-SCI * Not adhering to SCI-specific exercise guidelines as ascertained by self-report or during structured phone interview * Interested in increasing exercise levels * Ownership of a smartphone that can be used for the study and has a data plan * Willing to successfully download and learn to use the study apps * Able and willing to give written consent and comply with study procedures, including multiple in person follow-up visits Exclusion Criteria: Phase 2 and 3 * Trauma or surgery in the past three months * An active stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer * Medically unstable to perform the home-based exercise as determined by Dr. Chen and his team, the evaluating physical therapist, or the participants' primary care physician. * Unable to use at least one set of extremities to exercise * Enrolled in a structured exercise program over the past three months * Severe visual or cognitive problems that would affect the ability to complete the study * Does not own, or is unable to use a smartphone
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara Nataletti, PhD
- Email: snataletti@sralab.org
- Phone: (312)-238-7113
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.