Actively Recruiting
Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2026-05-28
69
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how the autonomic nervous system functions in people with spinal cord injury compared to those without. The autonomic nervous system controls important functions like blood pressure, skin blood flow, and bladder health, which are often affected after spinal cord injury. The study aims to identify differences in how this system works and to better understand related complications by using precise laboratory tests and wearable technology. Participants will undergo several diagnostic tests that measure sympathetic nervous system responses, including tests that assess inhibition and activation of these signals. Tests include phenylephrine infusion to study inhibition, cold pressor tests to evaluate activation, and assessments of autonomic dysreflexia and blood pressure regulation using Valsalva maneuver and other methods. Both individuals with spinal cord injury and uninjured controls will participate. During the study, participants will be monitored with a smartwatch tracking skin electrical conductance, heart rate, and skin temperature to gather data on autonomic function in daily life. Laboratory tests will record blood pressure and heart rate continuously during the sessions. The main outcome measure is the Valsalva Maneuver Phase II response. Secondary measures include beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure, skin responses, and assessments of autonomic complications. The study is expected to run until September 2026 and involves adults aged 18 to 50 years.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 50 years old
- Adult onset, traumatic spinal cord injury for participants with spinal cord injury
- American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades A to D
- Neurological level of injury between C1 and T12 as defined by the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, neurologic disorders (except spinal cord injury), or diabetes
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Currently taking blood thinners
- Presence of pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or intrathecal pump incompatible with MRI
- Cognitive issues preventing informed consent
- Body mass index over 30 kg/m2 for control participants
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo a series of laboratory diagnostic tests to assess autonomic nervous system function, including tests of sympathetic inhibition and activation, and testing of autonomic dysreflexia.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55902
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erin Lund
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Number of Arms
2
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