Early and intensive motor training to enhance neurological recovery in people with spinal cord injury: trial protocol

Spinal Cord, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-023-00908-z · Published: July 6, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aims to determine if intensive motor training can improve neurological recovery in people who have recently experienced a spinal cord injury. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving usual care plus intensive motor training, and the other receiving usual care alone. The researchers will measure neurological recovery, motor function, walking ability, quality of life, and other factors to assess the effectiveness of the intensive motor training.

Study Duration

Due for completion in 2025

Participants

220 people with recent SCI

Evidence Level

Randomised controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The primary outcome is neurological recovery at 10 weeks, measured with the Total Motor Score from the International Standards for Neurological Classiﬁcation of SCI.
2
Secondary outcomes include global measures of motor function, ability to walk, quality of life, participants’ perceptions about ability to perform self-selected goals, length of hospital stay and participants’ impressions of therapeutic beneﬁt at 10 weeks and 6 months.
3
Participants allocated to the Motor Training Group will receive, in addition to usual care, an extra 12 h of motor training each week for 10 weeks.

Research Summary

The SCI-MT Trial is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial designed to assess the effectiveness of intensive motor training on neurological recovery in individuals with recent spinal cord injury. The trial involves 220 participants across 15 spinal injury units in multiple countries, comparing usual care plus intensive motor training to usual care alone. The findings of the SCI-MT Trial will guide recommendations about the type and dose of inpatient therapy that optimises neurological recovery in people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Optimizing Inpatient Therapy

The trial results will provide evidence-based recommendations for the most effective type and amount of inpatient therapy to maximize neurological recovery for people with SCI.

Improving Motor Function

Demonstrating improved neurological recovery and motor function could lead to tangible and meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals with SCI.

Guiding Future Guidelines

The trial's findings could shape future guidelines for the inpatient rehabilitation care of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Some participants may not receive the full additional 12 h per week of motor training for 10 weeks for reasons outside their and our control.
2
We anticipate some variability in usual care.
3
One of the biggest barriers to the success of any trial is recruitment.

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