Past Research Projects

During the 2000-2005 NIDRR funding cycle, the Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System was engaged in the following research studies:

• “The prevalence and implications of sleep apnea in acute, traumatic tetraplegia” was led by Dr. Stephen Burns, assistant professor in Rehabilitation Medicine. Sleep apnea is more common among persons with SCI than in the general population and can have serious, harmful effects on health, function, and quality of life. Yet sleep apnea is little recognized or understood among physicians, even those who regularly treat SCI patients. The goal of this study was to better understand the frequency of sleep apnea in the acute SCI population and its effect on rehabilitation. Read more...

• "Hydrophilic catheters for prevention of UTIs: A randomized clinical trial in chronic SCI," led by Diana Cardenas, MD, investigated a new type of catheter designed to reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) by minimizing the opportunity for bacteria to enter the bladder system. Read more...

• “Measuring the Value of Spinal Cord Injury Health Outcomes Under Risk” was led by Jason Doctor, PhD, assistant professor of psychology with appointments in the Departments of Medical Education, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Health Services. This study examimed the way patients with SCI would make decisions about high risk medical procedures that may or may not result in significant improvements in health and quality of life. Study participants completed questionnaires that quantified their preferences for risky choices under a variety of hypothetical conditions. Results may help guide both researchers and patients in the future as the possibility of various SCI “cures” become more emergent on the horizon.