An Occupational Perspective of Menstrual Hygiene Management for Adults Living with Spinal Cord Injury: A Phenomenological Study

Date Added
August 13th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00151678
Researcher
Jennifer Barnett

List of Studies

Keywords
Spinal Cord, Women's Health
Summary

This research study explores the experiences of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) when managing menstrual hygiene. Recommendations for occupational therapy (OT) interventions to support participation are also included. Information will be gathered from each participant through a survey and a virtual interview. This study aims to answer the following questions: How do adults living with SCI manage menstrual hygiene? What challenges do they face? What role can OT play in supporting them?

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Jennifer Barnett
864-888-7532
jhb203@musc.edu

Spinal Nociceptive and Non-Nociceptive Processing of Cutaneous Input in People with SCI

Date Added
August 4th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00151610
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Nervous System, Pain, Spinal Cord
Summary

This study aims to explore how painful and non-painful stimuli are processed in people with and without nerve pain with chronic SCI. We are recruiting individuals with spinal cord injury at T11 and above, with or without neuropathic pain in the leg, and who are able to stand with or without an assistive device. Study participation involves 3 in-person visits, each of which will last 2-3 hours. Compensation and mileage reimbursement are available for all study visits.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Acute characterization of neurophysiological, functional, and quality of life measurements in people with and without neurological injury

Date Added
July 7th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00148164
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Nerve, Non-interventional, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to learn how the nervous system functions in individuals with and without spinal cord injury, and examine how this relates to function. As part of this study, procedures may include nerve stimulation, brain stimulation, imaging (MRI), walking assessments, measures of brain activity, sensation testing, measures of arm or leg function, and self-report measures regarding daily activities and quality of life. The duration of participation depends on the number of procedures to which an individual is consented.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Neural and Behavioral Dynamics During Neurorehabilitation

Date Added
May 7th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00149437
Researcher
Nathan Rowland

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain, Physical Therapy, Spinal Cord, Stroke, Stroke Recovery
Summary

This research study aims to better understand how the brain and body change during physical or occupational therapy after a neurologic injury or condition. Adults who are already receiving outpatient neurorehabilitation will be invited to participate while they complete their regular therapy sessions. During therapy, participants will wear a lightweight cap that measures brain activity and will be video recorded so researchers can analyze movement patterns using computer software. These recordings do not change therapy activities and are for research purposes only. The study does not involve new treatments, medications, or procedures beyond standard care. Information collected may help researchers understand why recovery differs between individuals and improve future rehabilitation approaches.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
M S Zobaer
832-955-7191
zobaer@musc.edu

Can MEP conditioning improve corticospinal recruitment of motoneurons in chronic cervical SCI?

Date Added
July 1st, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00145581
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Movement Disorders, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of a brain stimulation training to improve the function of brain-spinal cord- muscle connections.Because brain-to-muscle pathways are very important in our movement control, restoring function of these pathways may improve movement problems after injuries. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the brain-to-muscle connection. However, when the injury is "incomplete", there is a possibility that some of the brain-to-muscle pathways are still connected and may be trained to improve movement function. For examining brain-to-muscle pathways, we use a transcranial magnetic stimulator. We hope that the results of this research study will help us develop new treatments for people who have movement disabilities. This study will require about 42 visits over the first 14 weeks, and another 6 visits over an additional 3 months. Each visit will take about 1 ½ hours.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Operant conditioning of the wrist extensor motor evoked potential to target corticospinal plasticity and upper limb motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury

Date Added
April 1st, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00138869
Researcher
Allison Lewis

List of Studies

Keywords
Central Nervous System, Nervous System, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

Individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury will complete a 10-week training protocol where they receive non-invasive brain stimulation and feedback on the size of the corresponding muscle response (wrist extensor). We will assess the impact of the brain stimulation training on 1) the brain-to-spinal cord-to-muscle connection and 2) motor functions of the arm and hand. Also, brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging will be collected before and after the training. The imaging measurements will tell us about how spinal damage, brain function, and brain structure relate to motor presentation and the response to the training.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Evaluating a novel method to determine the rTMS dose needed for treating depression after spinal cord injury--Phase 2

Date Added
October 4th, 2022
PRO Number
Pro00122278
Researcher
Catherine VanDerwerker

List of Studies


Keywords
Depression, Spinal Cord
Summary

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is more commonly seen in individuals post-spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the general population. Depression post-SCI impacts an individual's quality of life and recovery. It has been reported that among people with an SCI, those without depression live longer than those with depression. Thus, depression must be treated appropriately. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved treatment for depression, but dosing is based on a motor response in the thumb. Over half of individuals with SCI have some degree of arm or hand impairment, so these individuals might not be eligible for rTMS, or they may receive the wrong dose. This study proposes a pilot clinical trial in individuals with depression post-SCI to assess the anti-depressant effect of a novel way to dose rTMS that does not require a motor response. By gaining a better understanding of the application of rTMS for depression post-SCI, we aim to advance the rehabilitative care of those with SCI.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Catherine VanDerwerker
843-792-5047
vanderwe@musc.edu

Targeted spinal cord plasticity for alleviating SCI-related neuropathic pain

Date Added
April 5th, 2022
PRO Number
Pro00118771
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Central Nervous System, Nerve, Nervous System, Pain, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between reflexes in the leg and the presence of neuropathic pain. The researchers are recruiting 30 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) total, 15 individuals with neuropathic pain due to SCI and 15 individuals without neuropathic pain. For this portion of the study, there are 2 visits. The first visit will examine cutaneous reflexes in the leg. During the second visit, the study team will assess sensation in the leg and administer questionnaires about pain, functioning, and quality of life.

The purpose of the second part of the study is to examine the effect of reflex training in the leg to decrease neuropathic pain. For this, the researchers are recruiting 15 individuals with neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury to participate in the reflex training procedure. The study involves approximately 50 visits with a total study duration of about 6.5 months (3 months for baseline and training phases followed by 1 month and 3 month follow-up visits).

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Can increasing motor evoked potential size improve upper extremity motor function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury?

Date Added
September 7th, 2021
PRO Number
Pro00113108
Researcher
Blair Dellenbach

List of Studies

Keywords
Central Nervous System, Nervous System, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between common clinical assessments and measurements of the function of brain-spinal cord-muscle connections. For examining brain-to-muscle pathways, we use a transcranial magnetic stimulator. This stimulator produces a magnetic field for a very short period of time and indirectly stimulates brain cells with little or no discomfort. We hope that the results of this training study will help us in developing therapy strategies for individuals, better understanding clinical assessments, and understanding treatments that aim to improve function recovery in people with SCI.

There are 2 aims for this study. The purpose of the first is to examine the relationship between assessments commonly used in therapy and doctor's offices (clinical assessments) and measurements of the function of brain-spinal cord- muscle connections. This will require 2 visits, and each visit will last approximately 2 hours.

The purpose of the second aim is to examine the effects of training on brain-spinal cord-muscle response. This will require 30 visits, and each visit will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

A Phase II Study of Metronomic and Targeted Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy for Children With Recurrent/Progressive Medulloblastoma

Date Added
September 1st, 2020
PRO Number
Pro00091939
Researcher
Jacqueline Kraveka

List of Studies


Keywords
Brain, Brain Tumor, Cancer, Central Nervous System, Children's Health, Drug Studies, Pediatrics, Spinal Cord
Summary

This study is for patients with recurrent/progressive medulloblastoma, which is a type of childhood brain tumor. Participants in this study will receive intravenous (IV, into the veins) bevacizumab and intrathecal (into the spinal fluid) or intraventricular (into the fluid surrounding the brain) etoposide and cytarabine in combination with five oral (taken by mouth) chemotherapy drugs as a possible treatment for recurrent/progressive medulloblastoma. Total study duration is about 1 year and depending on how well a participant tolerates the medications and the response of the disease, the patient may continue the treatment after the first year.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
HCC Clinical Trials Office
843-792-9321
hcc-clinical-trails@musc.edu



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