Current Research Activities
As a NIDRR-funded Model Spinal Cord Injury System, the NWRSCIS is mandated to engage in three types of research activities: contributing data to the National SCI Model System database, conducting a site-specific study, and participating in a multi-site module study. The following studies are being conducted during the 2011-2016 NIDRR grant cycle.
- National SCI Model System Database
- Site-specific study – Collaborative Care for Improving Quality of Life in SCI
- Multi-site study – Assistive Technology and Equity
- Project to Improve Symptoms and Mood after Spinal Cord Injury (PRISMS) Study
- Research studies seeking participants with spinal cord injuries
National SCI Model System Database
Newly injured patients with SCI are invited to become part of a longitudinal national database of SCI patients. This information is used to further understanding of the long-term consequences of SCI and to develop improved treatments and systems of care. Currently the database, centered at the National SCI Statistical Center, contains information on more than 27,000 cases since 1973.
Site-specific study – “Efficacy of collaborative care versus usual care for improving quality of life in outpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A patient-centered approach.”
Chronic pain, depression and difficulty being physically active are common problems for many people with SCI that have a negative effect on overall quality of life. These problems are also very complex and difficult to treat in the current health care system. Our study aims to improve treatment for these conditions by testing a new collaborative care approach. It is a 16-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing collaborative care to usual care for improving physical activity, chronic pain and depression. In this model, a specially trained care manager works with the patient and his or her rehabilitation physician and a team of expert advisors to enhance outpatient healthcare delivery. This method has been found to work well with patients who have chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Study participants will be invited to participate from the outpatient rehabilitation clinics at Harborview and UW Medical Centers. We expect to begin enrollment in the study in March 2012. For more information contact the Research Coordinator at 206-616-8568.
Multi-site study – “Assistive Technology and Equity”
The NWRSCIS is joining seven other model systems on this study exploring the wheelchair equipment and services provided to individuals with SCI of different ethnic, economic and social backgrounds. The goal is to improve wheelchair services for all individuals with SCI and, as a consequence, improve overall health and participation in life. This study is directed by Michael Boninger, MD, director of the University of Pittsburgh Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury. Participants for this study will be drawn from individuals who are already enrolled in the National SCI Model System Database through their participating model systems and have been injured for more than one year. The study is expected to start in spring of 2012.
Continuing study –The effects of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) after SCI – "PRISMS" (Project to Improve Symptoms and Mood after SCI).
One out of five people with SCI report problems with sleep, poor energy, low mood, loss of interest and appetite changes. These symptoms may result in part from stress-related changes in brain chemistry. Antidepressant medications such as venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) are designed to rebalance brain chemistry and improve these basic biological functions. Despite widespread use of antidepressants, they have never been proven to be effective in people with SCI. We will study the effect of venlafaxine XR on these symptoms and on pain in people who are at least one year post-SCI. Participants will be randomized to receive a 12-week course of either venlafaxine XR or a placebo. Those who receive placebo and remain symptomatic at the end of the trial will be offered free treatment with venlafaxine XR. For more information about this study, please call our research staff at 866-577-8067 (toll-free) or go to http://depts.washington.edu/uwprisms/publicsite.html. Chuck Bombardier, PhD, is the principal investigator for this study.