"Improving Orthostatic Tolerance after Spinal Cord Injury" This study seeks to determine if people with spinal cord injury (SCI) can benefit from an at-home exercise program. In particular, we are studying if exercise can help avoid or reduce sudden drops in blood pressure that sometimes occur after a change in posture, such as a move from lying down to a seated position. Participation in this study will involve completion of a 12- week exercise program involving electrical stimulation of legs muscles (five 45-minute sessions per week) in wheel chair sitting position. For the exercise training, participants will be provided with portable electrical stimulation system to take to their home. The study will also require 6 visits to the laboratory: 4 sessions (including 2 screening sessions) before the 12-week exercise program and 2 sessions after it is completed. During sessions in lab, measurements of heart function will be obtained by attaching sensors on the skin. All the laboratory sessions will be performed at Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. This study is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation and is a collaborative effort of researchers from Arizona State University and Barrow Neurological Institute/St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in this research study, you must meet all of the following criteria: You should have the following: □ age between 18 to 65 years □ at least one year completed since the date of spinal cord injury □ injury at spinal level T6 or above □ spinal cord injury classified as ASIA-A □ Mild to moderate reduction in blood pressure (with or without dizziness or light-headed feeling) when changing position, such as going from lying down to sitting or standing. The drop in blood pressure will be measured during screening procedure. You should not have the following: □ noticeable changes in muscle strength or changes in feeling in legs in the past three months □ any pressure sores currently or in the last 3 months □ leg fracture after spinal cord injury □ severe muscle spasms □ limitations on movement at hip, knee, or ankle □ high blood pressure □ severe lung disease, memory problems, sleep problems, or pain □ history of unexplained autonomic dysreflexia (sudden increase in blood pressure) □ history of blood clots □ Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant Sponsored by: Arizona State University and Barrow Neurological Institute Contact: Jaime Stovall at 480-727-8396 Adaptive Stimulation for Exercise and Rehabilitation: Clinical Evaluation Study Purpose: The long-term goal of this study is to evaluate a new type of exercise therapy that uses electrical stimulation to generate movements of the legs. The stimulation device uses low-level electrical stimulation pulses delivered by electrodes placed on the surface of the thigh. Study Benefits: - A personal benefit of enhanced overall physical fitness due to exercises performed as part of the research protocols. - A benefit to society in terms of the knowledge to be gained that may lead to the development of improved equipment for exercise and/or therapy. Study Requirements: - Individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 with a thoracic or low-cervical level spinal cord injury that limits their ability to walk. - 'Motor complete' (ASIA-A or ASIA-B or 'motor incomplete' (ASIA-C) spinal cord injury. - Absence of other major medical concerns(cardiovascular or respiratory disease, diabetes, pressure ulcers, etc.). - Reliable transportation to and from Arizona State University. Study Description: - Study location: ASU Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, and participant's home. - Total study duration: 3 months. - Exercise paralyzed muscles using electrical stimulation 3 times/week for 12 weeks. - Experimental sessions with knee extension exercise; evaluation sessions to measure muscle strength, endurance and size. For more information, please contact Jaime Stovall, Jaime.Stovall @asu.edu, 480-727-8396 or James Abbas, Ph.D., James.Abbas@asu.edu, 480-965-9521. Sponsored by: Arizona State University DD FOCUS GROUP AT ARIZONA PHYSICIANS IPA, CALLING FOR PARENTS OF DD CHILDREN The state affiliated medical insurance plan, APIPA, is seeking input/feedback from parents of children with coverage under Developmental Disabilities!!! This is a great opportunity to be advocates for change in our medical insurance system! APIPA/DD Health Services is seeking input from parents to improve the medical insurance approval system and medical coverage for our children with developmental disabilities!!! The meeting will be a luncheon, held at APIPA/DD Health Services from Noon to 2pm on a weekday early to mid January. The date is yet to be determined, based on parent response. If you and your family have had challenges getting timely diagnosis, testing, treatment, and/or Prior Auth services, for your child with a developmental disability now is your time to speak out and help be a positive influence for change!!! This is a rare opportunity to give a health insurance plan feedback and suggestions on: • The role of DD advocate @ APIPA • The process Improvement @ APIPA o Prior Auth- diapers, formula , DME o Grievance/Appeals o Overall ease of interactions o Vendor Relationships (Doctors Services etc.) • Network Needs (More experienced doctors that have autism spectrum diagnosis and treatment experience being covered under the AHCCCS plans) • EPSDT - Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for ALTCS/title 19 children with disabilities • Open Discussion /Questions with APIPA decision-makers/staff Please contact Andrea Ford, Parent-Advocate, to sign up at 623-474-3866, or email Andrea at: asd_ddparentadvocates@yahoo.com Focus Group or Telephone Survey Do you or someone close to you have experience dealing with substance abuse problems? Local grassroots coalition is seeking consumers, family and caregivers to share insights on personal and community problems as these involve the disability community in Maricopa County. Volunteers will receive a $25 or $10 gift certificate. All personal information is kept strictly confidential. To schedule a time and location contact: Pam Allan, ABIL at 602-864-9149, pama@abil.org or Kathryn Robins, YMCA at 602-509-2455, krobins@vosymca.org. HOPE Research Institute Do you have chronic nerve pain after Spinal Cord Injury? You may qualify for a Clinical Research Study of an investigational medication for pain after spinal cord injury. The purpose of this clinical research study is to evaluate if the study medication may be effective in relieving chronic nerve pain associated with spinal cord injury. As with many clinical research studies, the study medication will be compared with a placebo (inactive substance). If you qualify to take part in this study, you will attend eight appointments over five months. The study medication (or placebo) is in capsule form and will be taken twice a day. The study doctor will assess your response to the medication. This research study will include 200 participants in approximately 35 sites across the United States. You may qualify for a Clinical Research Study if you: • Are at least 18 year old • Have had a spinal cord injury more than one year ago • Have chronic nerve pain after spinal cord injury • Are able to attend 8 clinic visits over a 5-month period You may not participate in this Study if you: • Have pain associated with conditions other than spinal cord injury • Anticipate needing surgery during the course of the study • Have medical conditions that would interfere with study participation Study Participants May Receive Study-Related: • Medication or placebo (inactive substance) • Physical and neurological examinations • Electrocardiograms • Laboratory tests For more information please visit: www.spineinjurypain.com or contact HOPE Research Institute, LLC at 602-288-4673. Improving Orthostatic Tolerance After Spinal Cord Injury Study Purpose: To determine if electrical stimulation of legs muscles can help improve blood pressure control in people with spinal cord injury. Study Benefits: Possibility of improved blood pressure control during change in posture. Study Description: Location: Outpatients Rehabilitation Services, St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, and participant's home. Duration: Four months. Exercise: Use electrical stimulation 5 times/week for 12 weeks to exercise paralyzed muscles. Experiments: Participate in several experimental sessions to document effects of electrical stimulation exercise on blood pressure control. Study Requirements: You should have the following: - age between 18 to 65 years - at least one year completed from the date of spinal cord injury - injury at T6 or above - spinal cord injury classified as ASIA-A - dizziness or light-headed feeling when changing position, such as going from lying down to sitting or standing - ability to arrange transportation to Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix You should not have the following: - noticeable changes in muscle strength or changes in feeling in legs in the past three months - any pressure sores currently or in the last 3 months - leg fracture after spinal cord injury - severe muscle spasms - limitations on movement at hip, knee, or ankle - high blood pressure - severe lung disease, memory problems, sleep problems, or pain - history of autonomic dysreflexia (sudden increase in blood pressure) - history of blood clots - pregnancy or plans to become pregnant - recent use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (within last 6 months) as a part of rehabilitation or for a research study. For more information, please contact: Al Biemond, PT, MPT, Al.Biemond@chw.edu, 602-406-4919 or Jaime Stovall, BS, Jaime.Stovall @asu.edu, 480-727-8396 Sponsored by: Arizona State University and Barrow Neurological Institute LIVING WITH A SPINAL CORD INJURY Are you at least 18 years-old and have you lived with a spinal cord injury for at least 5 years? If so, we would like to invite you to participate in a study being conducted at the University of California, Irvine. The purpose of the study is to examine physical and affective well-being among people with a spinal cord injury. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a series of over-the-phone interviews. You will be compensated $150.00 for completion of the study. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please call the emotion research laboratory at 949-824-3991 or email us at emotion@uci.edu. RESEARCH TARGETING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN PERSONS WITH SCI Dr. Campagnolo of Barrows Neurological Clinic is currently conducting research that examines a person’s ability to fight infections following spinal cord injury. The study is conducted at Barrows Neurological Clinic, Suite 300. You will be reimbursed for your time and travel. If you wish to participate please leave your name, address, and phone number at 602-406-7711 or 602-406-6211. Eligibility: You are 21 years and older and have had a spinal cord injury 4 months ago or longer Sponsored by: Barrows Neurological Clinic Contact: Dr. Campagnolo RESEARCHER SEEKING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH STUDY Are you a person who currently lives with spinal cord injury? Do you know someone who currently lives with a spinal cord injury? Do you have an interest in participating in an exciting and innovative research study? Do you have an interest in learning more about yourself? Are you currently struggling with some part of your life? If so, do you want to learn some ways to potentially help you change your life? If you answered "YES" to all or most of these questions, are interested in participating in a research study, and meet the following criteria then contact this study's researcher. The University of Wisconsin - Madison, Department of Rehabilitation Psychology, 432 N. Murray Street, Madison, WI 53706 will be sponsoring this research study. Please call 608-438-2478 or email smstuntzner@wisc.edu for more information. Eligibility: 1. Have lived with a spinal cord injury for at least one year. 2. Are between the ages of 18 and 55. 3. Might feel that your injury was 'unfair' or 'unjust' regardless of the cause or attributing factor. 4. Would be interested in working on forgiveness 5. Do not currently drink over three drinks per day or use illegal substances. Contact: Susan Stuntzner, Rehabilitation Psychology Doctoral Candidate Seeking Professional in Disabiity and/or Substance Abuse Field Participate in confidential interviews. Do you work in a field that brings you in touch with adults, with physical disabilities who struggle with substance mis-use, abuse or addiction? Does someone close to you, who experiences disability, have experience dealing with substance abuse problems? Local grassroots coalition is seeking 8-10 profesisonal share insights on community needs and resources related to substance abuse and adults with disabilities in Maricopa County. Earn a $25 gift certificate to a major super market. Data will be reported in aggregated form. All personal information is kept strictly confidential. To pre-qualify and schedule a time please contact Kathryn Robins, YMCA at 602-509-2455 or email krobins@vosymca.org. Sponsored by: Grant Funding from Magellan SEEKING WOMEN WITH SCI FOR RESEARCH STUDY Are you a woman with a spinal cord injury who has been injured for at least one year? If so, you have important information that could greatly benefit other women with spinal cord injuries in similar situations. This is a request for women with SCI (aged 18 or older) who are both employed and unemployed to participate in an on-line research project. Need: Research on the return to work experiences of women with SCI is close to nonexistent. Increasing the understanding of what it is like to be a woman with a SCI who has either returned to work, attempted to return to work, or would like to return to work will offer very valuable insight into understanding the most effective approaches to helping women return to work. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gain an increased understanding of the return to work experiences of women with SCI as well as issues or barriers associated with the ability or inability to return to work. Factors that influence quality of life and job satisfaction will also be investigated. About the researcher: My name is Elizabeth Lasher and I am a doctoral student in the department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Education at The Pennsylvania State University. I have had a special interest in working with women with spinal cord injuries for a number of years. Before returning to school to pursue a doctoral degree, I worked as a rehabilitation counselor for ten years on a spinal cord injury unit at a rehabilitation hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. If you are interested in participating in this on-line study, or would like to read more about it, please go to the following link, which will take you to a secure website. The survey can be accessed one of two ways: by going to www.psychdata.com and entering survey #119800 or by directly using the link: www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=119800 If you have any additional questions or will require accommodation(s), please contact me: ejl155@psu.edu. Spinal Cord Injury Chronic Pain Study If you experience chronic nerve pain a year or more following a SCI you may be eligibe to participate in a 5-month clinical study sponsored by Pfizer of an investigational medication. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the study medication in relieving chronic nerve pain associated with SCI. Participants may receive study-related physical and neurological examinations, electrocardiograms, and laboratory tests at no cost, plus compensation for their time. Transportation will be provided, or travel costs will be reimbursed. Most important, your participation may help others by contributing to research that may lead to improved treatments. For information, visit www.spineinjurypain.com or call Inclinix at (888) 898-7425 ext. 2072. SPINAL CORD INJURY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED The Translational Pain Research Group at the Brigham and Women's Hospital is conducting clinical trials that evaluate various medications to help relieve chronic neuropathic pain as a result of a Spinal Cord Injury. Eligibility: You may be eligible for this research study if you are 18-70 years old; have been diagnosed with a Spinal Cord Injury; have had chronic neuropathic pain for at least 3 months.. Click here for more information Contact: Kate Jenkins at 617-525-PAIN (7246) or www.paintrials@partners.org SPIRITUALITY AND SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH Dr. Irmo Marini, Ph.D, C.R.C., Professor at the Department of Rehabilitation, The University of Texas-Pan American is conducting a research project called Spirituality and Spinal Cord Injury. It is designed to collect responses from people with Spinal Cord Injury from around the United States about their spiritual beliefs in relation to their disability and the importance of spirituality in their lives. He is currently looking for participants. If you know someone who would like to participate, please ask them to visit the link http://www.surveymonkey.com/SCI . All responses will be confidential and email addresses are moved by the webmaster so that responses cannot be traced back to any individual. This research has been reviewed for the protection of human subjects by the Institutional Review Board-Human Subjects’ in Research. If you have any question regarding this study, please call Dr. Marini at 956-316-7035 or email imarini@panam.edu.