Reflex Training for Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing if a training method called Operant Conditioning of Cutaneous Reflexes can help reduce neuropathic pain (nerve pain) in people with spinal cord injuries. This training teaches you to change the activity of a specific spinal reflex in your leg. Researchers believe that by changing this reflex, you might experience less pain. They are looking for 15 adults who have had a spinal cord injury for over a year, have medical clearance, and can stand for at least 3 minutes. The study will measure changes in how you feel sensations and pain in your leg to see if the training is successful. The current recruitment status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study planning to enroll 15 participants for the reflex training portion. There is also a larger study recruiting 30 individuals (15 with pain, 15 without) to examine reflexes.
- What's involved
- If you participate in the reflex training, you would have approximately 50 visits over about 6.5 months, including baseline, training, and follow-up visits at 1 and 3 months.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- You will be followed for 3 months after completing the training protocol to assess changes in sensation and pain.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Neuropathic Pain and Operant Conditioning of Cutaneous Reflexes After SCI
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Aiko Thompson, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Medical University of South Carolina
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Change in minimum stimulation intensity required to barely detect the sensation (perceived threshold, perT)change from baseline to immediately after completing the training protocol, at 1 month follow up and at 3 months follow up
This is measured by slowly increasing the nerve stimulation and recording the minimum intensity of stimulation at which the participant is barely able to perceive the sensation. A decrease in this threshold would demonstrate improved sensation.
- Change in minimum intensity at which the sensation covers the maximum area of skin (radiating threshold, RT)change from baseline to immediately after completing the training protocol, at 1 month follow up and at 3 months follow up
This is measured by slowly increasing the nerve stimulation and recording the minimum intensity of stimulation at which the sensation covers the maximum skin area). A decrease in this threshold indicates improved sensation.
- Change in minimum intensity at which the stimulus become painful (pain threshold, PainT)change from baseline to immediately after completing the training protocol, at 1 month follow up and at 3 months follow up
This is measured by slowly increasing the nerve stimulation and recording the intensity of stimulation at which the stimulation first becomes painful. An increase in this threshold indicates an increased tolerance to pain.
- Change in pain as measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ)Completed at baseline, start of conditioning visits 13, 19, and 25, after completing 30 conditioning sessions, 1 month follow up, and 3 months follow up
The MPQ is a self-report questionnaire that assesses quality and intensity of pain. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 78 (severe pain).
- Change in neuropathic pain as measured by the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI)Completed at baseline, start of conditioning visits 13, 19, and 25, after completing 30 conditioning sessions, 1 month follow up, and 3 months follow up
The NPSI is a self-report questionnaire that characterizes neuropathic pain symptom severity. Participants rate different symptoms of neuropathic pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (intense pain).