Current Research Activities

Research of the RSCICDV General Research Overview Model Systems Approach Discovering Promising Options Through Research Current Research Activites Completed Research Activites Validation Studies Clinical Research Studies Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) Capabilities of Upper Extremities (CUE)

1. Title: A 17-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group, Multicenter Trial of Pregabalin for the Treatment of Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate if pregabalin relieves nerve pain associated with spinal cord injury. This study aims to repeat the data on the effectiveness of pregabalin that was shown in the previous study. In addition, this study will also evaluate any side effects and whether or not they might be related to pregabalin. Lastly, this study will also assess whether subjects will experience improvement in sleep, general health, and on symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Principal Investigator: Ralph J. Marino, MD
Co-Investigator(s): Christopher S. Formal, MD

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2. Title: Development of the Capabilities of Arm and Hand in Tetraplegia (CAHT)

Purpose: The specific aim of this on-site research project is to develop an objective, standardized test o upper limb function in tetraplegia called the Capabilities of Arm and Hand in Tetraplegia (CAHT) based on the items in the CUE.

Principal Investigator: Ralph J. Marino, MD
Co-Investigator(s): Stephen Kern, OT; Emily Hayes, OTR/L

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3. Title: Investigation of Assistive Technology for Mobility used by Individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: The objectives of this study are first, to investigate the impact of policy changes on customizability and features of wheelchairs and the number of working wheelchairs an individual owns (component 1), and secondly to investigate distance traveled, time spent active, and speed traveled in a power and/or manual wheelchair and its relationship to wheelchair provided, wheelchair breakdown, quality of life and wheelchair skills (component 2).

Principal Investigator: Ralph J. Marino, MD
Co-Investigator(s): Mary Schmidt-Read, MS, PT; Mary Patrick, RN

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4. Title: UAB Index of Motor Recover: Validation of an Outcome Measure for Motor Recovery in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate a muscle testing measurement tool to look for any voluntary action of a lower extremity muscle group following spinal cord injury.

Principal Investigator: Ralph J. Marino, MD
Co-Investigator(s): Mary Schmidt-Read, MS, PT

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5. Title: Development and Validation of the Thoracic-Lumbar Control Scale to Measure Strength and Coordination of Trunk Muscles

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a clinical scale for measuring the strength of trunk musculature. These are the muscles that help balance and hold your body in good posture.

Principal Investigator: Ralph J. Marino, MD
Co-Investigator(s): Mary Schmidt-Read, MS, PT

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