Heat Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
(IIS_SCIDoD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how passive heat therapy might improve blood vessel health in people with a stable spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants will use a heating blanket set at either a therapeutic or a lower, non-therapeutic temperature for eight weeks. The goal is to determine if the therapy enhances vascular health over time. This trial suits individuals who have had a stable SCI for over a year and do not smoke or take certain medications. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to improved therapies for SCI-related vascular health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not require you to stop taking medications for managing spinal cord injury if you've been on a stable dose for at least 6 months. However, you cannot participate if you use daily steroids or certain vasoactive medications.
What prior data suggests that passive heat therapy is safe for spinal cord injury patients?
Research has shown that passive heat therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated by people with spinal cord injuries. Studies have found that participants can undergo repeated sessions without major issues. In one study, people with spinal cord injuries reported that passive heat therapy was not only safe but also helped reduce their chronic pain. Another study found that this therapy is practical and safe, suggesting it can be a good option for improving heart and blood vessel health. Overall, the evidence supports that passive heat therapy does not cause serious side effects, making it a promising treatment to consider.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about passive heat therapy for spinal cord injury because it offers a non-invasive, home-based treatment option. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve medication or surgery, this therapy uses an electrical heating blanket to safely increase body temperature, potentially improving blood flow and promoting healing. Its ease of use and minimal side effects make it an appealing alternative or complement to existing treatment options, providing hope for better quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries.
What evidence suggests that passive heat therapy is effective for improving vascular health in spinal cord injury?
Research has shown that passive heat therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, might improve blood vessel health in people with spinal cord injuries. Some studies suggest that regular heat exposure can reduce long-term pain in veterans with these injuries, indicating that frequent heat therapy sessions could help manage pain. This trial will explore how this therapy affects inflammation and metabolism over eight weeks. Although more research is needed, these early findings offer promise for enhancing health and comfort in people with spinal cord injuries.56789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michelle Trbovich, MD
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with spinal cord injury who can participate in an 8-week study to test the effects of heat therapy on blood vessel health. Participants will undergo vascular function tests and must be able to commit to four sessions per week, mostly from home.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline assessments including cardiac MRI and peripheral vascular assessments are performed
Treatment
Participants undergo an 8-week intervention with 4 weekly passive heat therapy sessions, with the first week in the lab and the remaining 7 weeks at home
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including repeat vascular function tests
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Passive Heat Therapy
Trial Overview
The study compares passive heat therapy (60 minutes at a therapeutic temperature) against a sham treatment (lower temperature) to see if regular heat exposure improves cardiovascular health in those with spinal cord injuries.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
The experimental arm (HEAT) participants undergo an 8-week intervention with 4 weekly passive heat therapy sessions (home based for 7 of 8 weeks) using an electrical heating blanket at a temperature of 42 degrees C.
For participants in SHAM, the heating blankets will be warm (\~34°C) but will not reach a temperature that elevates core temperature. As in the HEAT arm, sessions will be home based for 7 of 8 weeks.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Lead Sponsor
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
Collaborator
Citations
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Passive Heat Therapy on Mental ...
This pilot study suggests that supervised repeated passive heat therapy may confer benefits for chronic pain in veterans with chronic SCI.
Impact of Passive Heat on Metabolic, Inflammatory and ...
This study will test the impact of repeated bouts (3x/week) of passive heat stress over a longer term (8 weeks) on inflammation, metabolism and vascular ...
Impact of passive heat stress on persons with spinal cord ...
A recent 20-year longitudinal study of persons with SCI in Scotland found hospitalizations to be more common in those who were older at time of SCI and who had ...
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Passive Heat Therapy on ...
Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that supervised repeated passive heat therapy may confer benefits for chronic pain in veterans with ...
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scholars.uthscsa.edu
scholars.uthscsa.edu/en/publications/the-effect-of-eight-weeks-of-passive-heat-therapy-on-mental-healt/The Effect of Eight Weeks of Passive Heat Therapy on ...
Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that supervised repeated passive heat therapy may confer benefits for chronic pain in veterans with chronic SCI. Follow- ...
Impact of passive heat stress on persons with spinal cord injury
Environmental heat stress can negatively impact health, work capacity, and athletic performance and potentially to lead to life-threatening consequences if ...
Cardioprotective Benefit of Passive Heat Therapy in Higher ...
As compared to the general population, those living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a greater risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases.
Passive heat therapy to improve cardiometabolic health in ...
Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that it is feasible, well-tolerated and safe for persons with SCI to engage in repeated heat ...
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Passive Heat Therapy on ...
This pilot study suggests that supervised repeated passive heat therapy may confer benefits for chronic pain in veterans with chronic SCI.
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