Project title:
Heart and blood vessel health in spinal cord injury – the effect of physical activity levels
Purpose of this study:
Our study is looking at the effect of physical activity levels on heart and blood vessel health in individuals with a spinal cord injury. We are recruiting males with paraplegia who are recreationally active to compare to the paraplegic athletes that we tested at the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games. Our goal is to determine whether the level of physical activity following a spinal cord injury affects the health of the heart and blood vessels. This is important to establish because we know an unhealthy heart and blood vessels can lead to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in individuals with a spinal cord injury.
What is involved:
- One, 90-minute visit to the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre
- We will take pictures of your heart and blood vessel in your arm using an ultrasound
- We will also measure your blood pressure responses to a cold water test which involves putting your hand and foot in ice water for 2 minutes
- We will ask you some questions about your spinal cord injury, physical activity levels, and other lifestyle factors
- We will perform a brief test to confirm the level and completeness of your spinal cord injury
- All of these assessments are non-invasive and should not cause any bodily harm
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are a male between 20-55 years of age
- Have a thoracic or lumbar spinal cord injury that is traumatic, chronic (at least 2 years post-injury), and motor-complete.
- Are recreationally active: you engage in physical activity at least 2 days per week, with no participation in competitive sports within the past 2 years
- You do not experience autonomic dysreflexia
Why you might like to participate:
Information gained from this study will help us determine how much exercise is necessary following a spinal cord injury to maintain heart and blood vessel health. In addition to a detailed report about your heart and blood vessel health, you will also receive a $15 Starbucks gift card for your time. Parking permits are provided to all study participants (must have a valid SPARC pass).
If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more info, please contact Dr. Katharine Currie by email (kcurrie@icord.org) or phone (604-675-8856).
