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Improving Exercise Adherence for Spinal Cord Injury with Smartphone Apps and E-coaching

This study aims to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) exercise more consistently using a special smartphone app and e-coaching. Researchers want to find the best way to use these tools to encourage exercise. You would use a smartphone app, either a basic one or a more interactive one with features like notifications and video submission. Some participants might also receive e-coaching sessions once or twice a month. The main goal is to see how well participants stick to their exercise plans at 12 and 24 weeks. This study is for individuals with SCI, their caregivers, or clinicians, aged 18-80, who speak English and are willing to use study apps.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 50 participants. It uses a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design to test different app features and e-coaching levels.
What's involved
You would use a study app and potentially participate in e-coaching sessions. You would also be asked to complete daily questionnaires.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study measures adherence to exercise guidelines at 12 weeks and 24 weeks, indicating follow-up for at least 24 weeks.

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NCT05424172

Improving Adherence to Spinal Cord Injury Exercise Guidelines Using Smartphone Technology and E-coaching

Recruiting
NAAges 18–80InterventionalTreatment
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
~50 participants
Updated 2026-05-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Stage-I, Group 1: Self monitoring using Non-interactive AppStage-I, Group 2: Self monitoring using Interactive AppStage-II, Groups 1a/2a: E-Coaching 1x per monthStage-II, Groups 1b/2b: E-Coaching 2x per month

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Rate of Adherence to SCI exercise guidelines
Measured over 12 weeks
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

Explore related trials

Spinal Cord Injury

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1

Who to contact

Sara Nataletti, PhD
[email protected]
(312)-238-7113
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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
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

Severe visual or cognitive problems that would affect the ability to complete the study
Does not own, or is unable to use a smartphone
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

What this trial measures

  • Rate of Adherence to SCI exercise guidelines12 weeks

    Using app-based data and self-report, the investigators will determine if each participant met the SCI aerobic exercise guidelines (moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes twice per week) for each week of the study. The investigators will total the number of weeks in which the participants achieved adherence and calculate the percentage of adherence over each 12-week stage. An overall adherence rate of 50% will be regarded as meeting exercise guidelines for the stage.

  • Rate of Adherence to SCI exercise guidelines24 weeks

    Using app-based data and self-report, the investigators will determine if each participant met the SCI aerobic exercise guidelines (moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes twice per week) for each week of the study. The investigators will total the number of weeks in which the participants achieved adherence and calculate the percentage of adherence over each 12-week stage. An overall adherence rate of 50% will be regarded as meeting exercise guidelines for the stage.