NCT01890915

Brief Summary

The deleterious effects of hyperthermia are well appreciated in able-bodied persons. However, the consequences of impaired regulation of normal body temperature on cognitive performance of persons with tetraplegia is not known. This study will provide the preliminary findings necessary for future work to design and explore physical and medical interventions to improve temperature regulation in those with tetraplegia with the goal of improved clinical care, health, and quality of life. The proposed study consists of 1 visit during which 20 subjects (10 with tetraplegia, 10 controls) will be exposed to 81°F for 40 minutes and then 95° F for up to 2 hours. Physiological as well as psychological processes will be monitored in all subjects during the study for safety and to determine differences in responses to exposure to hot ambient temperatures

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
21

participants targeted

Target at below P25 for all trials

Timeline
Completed

Started May 2013

Typical duration for all trials

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

May 1, 2013

Completed
2 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

June 27, 2013

Completed
5 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

July 2, 2013

Completed
2.2 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

October 1, 2015

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

October 1, 2015

Completed
5 months until next milestone

Results Posted

Study results publicly available

March 3, 2016

Completed
Last Updated

March 3, 2016

Status Verified

February 1, 2016

Enrollment Period

2.4 years

First QC Date

June 27, 2013

Results QC Date

November 24, 2015

Last Update Submit

February 4, 2016

Conditions

Keywords

Spinal cord injuryBody temperatureExecutive functionSweat

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Core Body Temperature

    To determine the change in core body temperature in the seated position from 79 degrees F for 30 minutes to 95 degrees F for up to 2 hours. Hypotheses: Persons with tetraplegia will have a greater increase in core body temperature than able-bodied (AB) control subjects. Core body temperature in AB persons will be maintained.

    2 hours

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • Cognitive Performance - Stroop Interference T-Scores

    2 hours

Other Outcomes (1)

  • Sweat Rate

    2 hours

Study Arms (2)

Tetraplegia

Persons with spinal cord injury, level of injury C4-T1, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment levels A-B and duration of injury greater than 1 year. Ages 18-65 years old.

Other: Heat Exposure

Control

Age and gender-matched able-bodied controls. Ages 18-65 years old.

Other: Heat Exposure

Interventions

Heat exposure of 95 degrees F for up to 2 hours.

Also known as: 95 degrees F for up to 2 hours.
ControlTetraplegia

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 65 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
Sampling MethodNon-Probability Sample
Study Population

10 subjects with tetraplegia (SCI, C4-T1), ages 18-65 years old and 10 age- and gender-matched, able-bodied controls will be accepted for participation.

You may qualify if:

  • Between 18 and 65 years of age;
  • Duration of injury ≥ 1 year;
  • Level of SCI C4-T1;
  • Euhydration (Subjects will be instructed to avoid caffeine and alcohol, maintain normal salt and water intake, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to study); and
  • Age (± 5 years) and gender matched AB control group.

You may not qualify if:

  • Known heart and/or blood vessel disease;
  • High blood pressure;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Acute illness or infection;
  • Dehydration;
  • Pregnant women;
  • Untreated thyroid disease, and
  • Broken, inflamed, or otherwise fragile skin.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of SCI, James J Peters VAMC

The Bronx, New York, 10468, United States

Location

Related Publications (2)

  • Kumar NS, Bart J, Barton C, Graham ML, Leung PP, Tittley TD, Lee I, Bang C, Bauman WA, Handrakis JP. Core Temperature Lability Predicts Sympathetic Interruption and Cognitive Performance during Heat Exposure in Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries. J Neurotrauma. 2021 Aug 1;38(15):2141-2150. doi: 10.1089/neu.2020.7598. Epub 2021 May 26.

  • Handrakis JP, Ni Guan Z, Nulty JW, Tascione O, Rosado-Rivera D, White D, Bang C, Spungen AM, Bauman WA. Effect of Heat Exposure on Cognition in Persons with Tetraplegia. J Neurotrauma. 2017 Dec 15;34(24):3372-3380. doi: 10.1089/neu.2016.4850. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITH DNA

Venous blood samples

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal Cord DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesTrauma, Nervous SystemWounds and Injuries

Results Point of Contact

Title
Dr. John P. Handrakis
Organization
James J. Peters VA Medical Center

Study Officials

  • John P Handrakis, PT, DPT, EdD

    Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of SCI, James J Peters VAMC

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Publication Agreements

PI is Sponsor Employee
Yes

Study Design

Study Type
observational
Observational Model
CASE CONTROL
Time Perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Sponsor Type
FED
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Research Health Science Specialist

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

June 27, 2013

First Posted

July 2, 2013

Study Start

May 1, 2013

Primary Completion

October 1, 2015

Study Completion

October 1, 2015

Last Updated

March 3, 2016

Results First Posted

March 3, 2016

Record last verified: 2016-02

Locations