Nutrition for Spinal Cord Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how a nutrition program can help manage pain for people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers aim to determine if better diet quality can reduce the daily pain experienced by participants. The trial includes nutrition counseling and education over a period of up to four months. It suits adults with spinal cord injuries who experience chronic pain. As an unphased trial, participants have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance pain management strategies.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
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 nutrition intervention is safe for individuals with spinal cord injury?
Research has shown that nutrition counseling and education programs are generally safe for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). These programs aim to improve diet quality and help manage pain. Studies have found that focusing on nutrition can lower risks associated with SCI, such as obesity and metabolic issues. No major reports of harmful effects from these nutrition programs have emerged. Overall, they are well-received and provide useful dietary advice to improve health.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Nutrition Counseling and Nutrition Education Program for spinal cord injury because these approaches focus on enhancing overall health and recovery through diet, which is a shift from traditional treatments like physical rehabilitation and medication. Unlike standard treatments that primarily address physical rehabilitation, these nutritional strategies aim to optimize the body's healing processes from within by providing targeted dietary guidance and education. This holistic approach could potentially improve quality of life and recovery outcomes by addressing nutritional deficiencies specific to spinal cord injury patients, which are often overlooked in conventional therapies.
What evidence suggests that this nutrition intervention is effective for managing pain in spinal cord injury?
Research has shown that nutrition counseling and education can help people with spinal cord injuries eat healthier. This trial will focus on a Nutrition Group, where participants will receive nutrition counseling and education for up to four months. One study found that remote nutrition counseling, or "tele-nutrition," improved diet quality for these individuals. Another study revealed that people with spinal cord injuries often consume fewer whole grains, fruits, and low-fat dairy products, which can impact their health. By improving their diet, nutrition education may help manage pain and lower the risk of problems like obesity and heart issues. These findings suggest that nutrition programs could benefit those with spinal cord injuries.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Elizabeth Felix, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Miami
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with chronic pain due to spinal cord injury (SCI), including those with complete or incomplete paralysis. It's not open to pregnant women, prisoners, individuals unable to consent, minors, or anyone without SCI-related pain.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a nutrition intervention aimed at improving diet quality to manage pain
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Nutrition Counseling
- Nutrition Education Program
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor
Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, Inc.
Collaborator