Clinical research is a key part of our Center’s mission to improve the lives of our patients.
Research. Restoration. Recovery.
Everyday our patients show us that Activity-Based Restorative Therapies (ABRT) improves day-to-day and neurological function, overall health, and quality of life. At the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI), we are constantly assessing our therapeutic interventions’ effectiveness, continuing to develop new and improved technology, and testing new clinical interventions, in order to improve patient care and advance the field of spinal cord rehabilitation and restoration. Learn more about our clinical research program, how you can participate in clinical research, and explore the center’s publications and presentations on various topics.
What is clinical research?
Clinical research involves people (research participants) and is designed to answer specific medical questions. Paralysis research can cover a wide range of topics including medical (including pain, spasticity, bone mass, fatigue, fertility, fitness, etc.), psychological (such as post-traumatic stress and growth, hopefulness, etc.), pharmacological, rehabilitative interventions, and various other areas of concern for people with paralysis.
Why is paralysis clinical research important?
Clinical research helps the medical community better understand the nature of paralysis, develop new treatments, and improve current interventions. The International Center for Spinal Cord Injury team is not only conducting our own clinical research, we are actively engaging with the wider medical and rehabilitation community to share our research with other similar centers and to learn about the latest research breakthroughs happening in clinics and laboratories all over the world. Clinical research allows us, as clinicians and providers, to stay at the forefront of knowledge, so we can provide the best medical and therapeutic care to our patients based on the best information and evidence available.
How can I help?
The most important way that everyone can help is to bring awareness to the topic. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of spinal cord injury and paralysis research. Most people are unaware of the devastating effects paralysis can have. As you know, injury or diagnosis changes your life forever. Understanding and treating paralysis depends on supporting research efforts.
If you have paralysis, consider volunteering to participate in a clinical trial. There are clinical trials for a variety of diagnoses, both chronic and acute. In addition to our clinical trials, you can visit ClinicalTrials.gov to learn about studies happening all over the country.