Synchronous Tele-Resistance Training to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

NCT07115693 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IST-FTR-TELERES-SCI-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 21
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study investigated the effects of resistive exercises applied with synchronized telerehabilitation on upper extremity functions in patients with SCI who use wheelchairs. A randomized controlled trial included 21 patients with SCI between the ages of between18 and 60. Participants were divided into two groups: the Study Group (n=11) and the Control Group (n=10). Participants in the study group applied resistive exercise with a synchronized telerehabilitation method, while participants in the control group applied a home exercise program. The upper extremity muscle strength of the participants was evaluated with hand-held dynamometer before and after the treatment, physical performance with a 20-meter push test, and physical activity level with Physical Activity Scale for Disabled Individuals.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injury

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in upper extremity muscle strength measured by hand-held dynamometer

  Muscle strength of the shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, and wrist flexors and extensors will be measured bilaterally using a hand-held dynamometer. The outcome is reported in Newtons (N).

  Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Synchronous Telerehabilitation with Resistance Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received live, video-based supervised resistance training 3x/week for 6 weeks.

Behavioral: Telerehabilitation-Based Resistance Exercise Program

Home-Based Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants followed an unsupervised exercise program at home for 6 weeks.

Behavioral: Home Exercise Program

Interventions

Telerehabilitation-Based Resistance Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants received synchronous telerehabilitation sessions three times per week for six weeks. Each session lasted 45 minutes and included supervised resistance exercises for upper extremity muscle groups. Exercise bands were chosen based on baseline strength. Pulse oximeters were used to monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation.

Synchronous Telerehabilitation with Resistance Exercises

Home Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants were given a home-based, unsupervised exercise program to follow three times per week for six weeks. The exercises were taught at the beginning, and adherence was monitored using a physical activity diary. No tele-supervision was provided.

Home-Based Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 60 years
• Diagnosed with spinal cord injury classified as ASIA A, B, or C
• Cooperative and able to follow verbal instructions
• Has access to online communication devices
• Partially or fully dependent on a wheelchair
• Sufficient upper extremity strength to operate a wheelchair
• Has not undergone surgery in the past 6 months
• Willing to participate and provided informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Unwilling or unmotivated to participate
• Presence of a progressive disease
• Fully bedridden
• Significant cognitive impairment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacer Önen Tekin: lead

Study Sites (1)

Turkish Spinal Cord Paralytics Association at Hüsnü Ayık Special Care Center

Diyarbakır, Kayapınar, 21070, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal Cord Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Trauma, Nervous System; Wounds and Injuries

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 4, 2025
• First Posted: August 11, 2025
• Study Start: April 15, 2023
• Primary Completion: February 15, 2024
• Study Completion: April 15, 2024
• Last Updated: August 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Locations

TU (1)