Tele-Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury

(TEEMS Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Drexel University

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Renal, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a tele-exercise program for individuals with spinal cord injuries, comparing live online group classes and pre-recorded exercise videos for home use. The researchers aim to determine which method increases participants' confidence and positivity about exercising, thereby improving overall health. Individuals who have had a spinal cord injury for over a year, can move their shoulders slightly, and use assistive devices for mobility may be suitable for this study. Participants must also have internet access to join the online sessions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative exercise methods that can enhance health and well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this tele-exercise program is safe for individuals with spinal cord injury?

Research has shown that tele-exercise is a safe and effective way for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to stay active. One study found that tele-exercise improves physical abilities and boosts confidence in exercising for people with SCI, without causing serious side effects. Another study demonstrated that it helps people with SCI exercise regularly from home by removing barriers to access.

Participants in these programs reported feeling less tired and experiencing better overall physical health. These studies reported no major negative effects from tele-exercise. Overall, tele-exercise appears well-received, making it a promising option for those wanting to safely increase their physical activity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about tele-exercise for spinal cord injury because it offers a flexible, accessible way for patients to engage in rehabilitation from home. Unlike standard physical therapy, which often requires travel to a clinic, tele-exercise uses online platforms like Zoom or YouTube, allowing participants to join live sessions or follow recorded ones at their convenience. This method not only reduces the barriers of transportation and scheduling but also provides peer support and personalized guidance from experts in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. By integrating technology with exercise, researchers hope to improve rehabilitation outcomes and provide continuous motivation for patients.

What evidence suggests that this trial's tele-exercise program could be effective for spinal cord injury?

Research has shown that tele-exercise benefits people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Studies have found that it greatly improves physical abilities and boosts confidence in exercising. Participants in tele-exercise programs often notice stronger muscles and better overall health. For instance, one study reported moderate improvements in tiredness and general well-being among participants. Another study highlighted that tele-exercise can solve accessibility problems, making it a practical choice for those with SCI. This trial will compare two tele-exercise approaches: the Asynchronous Exercise arm, where participants use a private YouTube playlist, and the Synchronous Group Exercise arm, where participants attend live sessions. Overall, tele-exercise offers a promising way to enhance health outcomes for individuals with SCI. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Margaret Finley, PT, PhD

Principal Investigator

Drexel University

Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD

Principal Investigator

Drexel University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-75 with a spinal cord injury (motor level C5 or below) at least one year post-injury. Participants must have internet access, be able to elevate shoulders over 25% range, use mobility aids, and not be in structured rehabilitation. They need medical clearance based on the ACSM Preparticipation Health Screening Tool.

Inclusion Criteria

Internet access to attend synchronous exercise classes

I can lift my shoulders more than a quarter of their full range.

I use devices like a wheelchair or walker to move around.

Exclusion Criteria

I recently broke a bone due to osteoporosis.

Self-report preexisting neurological conditions other than SCI

I was hospitalized within the last month.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Virtual screening

Treatment

Participants engage in the TEEMS program or asynchronous video library for 8 weeks

8 weeks

Biweekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention of physical activity and psychosocial determinants

8 weeks

Virtual follow-up assessments

Qualitative Data Collection

Focus group interviews conducted to gather qualitative data on participant experiences

Pre-program and post-program (8 weeks)

Virtual focus group sessions

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tele-Exercise

Trial Overview The study compares two exercise programs for people with spinal cord injuries: TEEMS—a live group tele-exercise program designed to increase independence and confidence in exercising—and a control group using pre-recorded exercise videos.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Synchronous Group Exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention or asynchronous video library). Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The synchronous group will attend sessions 2 times per week, with all sessions recorded. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity. Recorded sessions will be made available for participants to use on their own at the end of each week, building a video of 16 videos. The program will be taught by a rehabilitation clinician with expertise in SCI and adapted exercise while our co-instructor will offer peer guidance and demonstrate lived translation of movement with an SCI. Class will take place over a web-based platform (such as Zoom).TEEMS instructors also orient participants to the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 6-20 scale) to be used as an self-exertion check throughout class and to be recorded in a provided logbook. RPE is u

Group II: Asynchronous Exercise Active Control 1 Intervention

The asynchronous control condition will be delivered using a private Youtube playlist. The asynchronous group will be provided with 2 recorded TEEMS videos weekly that align with the synchronous group sessions, building a 16 video library. Participants will participate in the TEEMS biweekly for 8 weeks (synchronous intervention). The asynchronous group will perform sessions 2 times per week. The sessions will be 60-minutes total, including 45-minutes of physical activity.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Drexel University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Progam

Collaborator

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12004304/

Tele-exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury Tele-exercise interventions are effective and feasible for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). These interventions often emphasize muscle strength and ...

2. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10790268.2025.2524225

Tele-exercise and spinal cord injury: Effects on physical ... Our study showed that tele-exercise can overcome the accessibility obstacles imposed on people with SCI. The study findings corroborate results ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590109525000709

Interim Analysis of the Spinal Cord Injury Program ... In terms of quality-of-life outcomes, SET participants reported moderate improvements in fatigue and global physical health, while other ...

4. archives-pmr.org archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(23)00512-9/fulltext

Effect of Tele-exercise to Promote Empowered Movement ... A recent randomized controlled trial found that participants with SCI reported significantly improved physical function, exercise self-efficacy, ...

5. rehab.jmir.org rehab.jmir.org/2016/2/e8/

Teleexercise for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury Implementation outcomes included adherence, rescheduled sessions, minutes of moderate exercise, and successful recording of exercise data. Pre/ ...