Locomotor Training + Testosterone for Spinal Cord Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This pilot study will determine the feasibility of implementing a combinatory rehabilitation strategy involving testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with locomotor training (LT; walking on a treadmill with assistance and overground walking) in men with testosterone deficiency and walking dysfunction after incomplete or complete spinal cord injury. The investigators hypothesize that LT+TRT treatment will improve muscle size and bone mineral density in men with low T and ambulatory dysfunction after incomplete or complete SCI, along with muscle fundtion and walking recovery in men with T low and ambulatory dysfunction ater incomplete SCI.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications before participating, such as testosterone replacement therapy, androgenic hormones, and certain bone medications. If you are on chronic opioids or glucocorticoids, you may continue them if they are for a chronic condition and expected to be used throughout the study.
Is the combination of locomotor training and testosterone safe for humans?
Research on the combination of locomotor training and testosterone in humans with spinal cord injury suggests it may be safe, as studies have not reported significant adverse effects. However, most safety data comes from studies on animals or related therapies, so more human-specific research is needed to confirm safety.12345
How does the treatment of Locomotor Training with Testosterone Enanthate differ from other treatments for spinal cord injury?
This treatment combines locomotor training (walking therapy) with testosterone enanthate, which together help preserve bone and muscle health and improve walking ability after spinal cord injury. Unlike other treatments, this combination offers more comprehensive benefits by enhancing both musculoskeletal recovery and neuromuscular function, which are not achieved by either component alone.12346
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Locomotor Training + Testosterone for Spinal Cord Injury?
Research suggests that combining testosterone with physical rehabilitation therapies like locomotor training may improve muscle and nerve recovery in people with spinal cord injuries. Testosterone can help reduce muscle loss and support nerve health, while locomotor training can enhance walking ability.24567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dana M Otzel, Phd
Principal Investigator
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Joshua F Yarrow, PhD
Principal Investigator
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Men over 18 with low testosterone and spinal cord injury (SCI) causing walking difficulties are eligible. They must be medically stable, not seeking fertility, and willing to follow the treatment plan. Exclusions include major recent surgeries, other serious health conditions or cancers, certain cardiovascular issues, severe kidney disease, untreated sleep apnea, specific bone density scores below a threshold.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with or without locomotor training (LT) for 6 months. TRT injections are given weekly, and LT involves 35 sessions of treadmill and overground walking during the initial 2-3 months.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 1-6 month intervals.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Locomotor Training
- Testosterone Enanthate
Locomotor Training is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury
- Improvement of muscle size and bone mineral density in men with low testosterone and ambulatory dysfunction
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
North Florida Foundation for Research and Education
Lead Sponsor
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Collaborator
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
Collaborator
Brooks Rehabilitation
Collaborator
University of Florida
Collaborator