Spinal Cord

Health and Quality of Life Related Challenges for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury, Living in Medically Underserved Areas of Kentucky, Receiving Rehabilitation Services

Patrick Kitzman, PhD, University of Kentucky, Physical Therapy Department  & Beth Hunter, PhD, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital

This project will examine the needs and treatment barriers of individuals with SCI and their families living in rural communities, as well as the needs and barriers of the health care professionals practicing in the rural communities. The proposed study will describe...

Read more: Health and Quality of Life Related Challenges for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury, Living in Medically Underserved Areas of Kentucky, Receiving Rehabilitation Services

United States multi-center study to assess the validity and reliability of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III)

Sara Salles, DO, University of Kentucky, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Site PI)

Study Purpose

This clinical research study will be performed to assess the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) in measuring functional ability in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Aims and Hypothesis:

Overall hypothesis - The SCIM III is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure of functional ability in persons with SCI.

Read more: United States multi-center study to assess the validity and reliability of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III)

Diffuse Optical Evaluation of Muscle Hemodynamic Improvements by Electrical Stimulation

Guoqiang Yu, Ph.D., University of Kentucky, Center for Biomedical Engineering

The goal of this study is to investigate tissue BF and oxygenation in areas that are high risk to develop ulcers before, during, and after ES in patients with SCI. Healthy subjects will also be recruited as controls. For healthy subjects, our study will focus on the evaluation of BF and oxygenation responses to ES...

Read more: Diffuse Optical Evaluation of Muscle Hemodynamic Improvements by Electrical Stimulation

Lumy Sawaki, MD, PhD, University of Kentucky, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, Cardinal Hill Endowed Chair

Read more: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Training to Facilitate Upper Extremity Motor Funcition in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Feasibility Study