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Knowledge Assessment of Health after Spinal Cord Injury

Spine | Spinal Lesions | Spine Trauma

Mobility is a well-researched priority for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, most people with SCI experience other, 'secondary' health concerns in addition to mobility impairments. Knowledge of these secondary health outcomes have not been well evaluated in Canadians living with SCI.

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate knowledge levels of secondary health outcomes in individuals with SCI. A secondary objective is to study the knowledge of common post SCI health problems in the general population. This will be done through an online survey.

Individuals with an SCI, who take part in the online survey, and who live in the Calgary area, will be invited to take part in a second portion of the study. The purpose of this part of the study is to compare self-reported symptoms of secondary health outcomes with results from physiological assessments of these secondary health outcomes. This will be done during 3 in-person study visits at the University of Calgary. These assessments will involve:
1) Wearing a blood-pressure monitor for 24 hours as you go about your normal routine
2) Lying on a table that adjusts your body from horizontal to vertical, while having your blood pressure monitored
3) Undergoing a DEXA scan

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Male, Female, Intersex

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
For the online survey, we are looking for participants who:
1) Have a self-identified SCI
2) Do not have a self-identified SCI
3) Are 18+ years of age
4) Are fluent in English
5) Are willing and able to provide informed consent

Additionally, for the in-person assessments, we are looking for participants who:
1) Have been diagnosed with spinal cord injury
2) Have completed the initial online survey
3) Live in Canada
4) Are willing and able to provide informed consent
5) Are willing and able to participate in the 3 study visits and assessments
Exclusion Criteria:
You are not eligible to participate in the online survey if:
1) Your physical impairments are not due to a spinal cord injury

You are not eligible to participate in the in-person visits if:
1) You have a previously existing heart condition
2) You are pregnant, or may be pregnant

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: REB21-0045