Cardiovascular Autonomic Program

STUDY TITLE: Transcutaneous Stimulation to Restore Autonomic Cardiovascular Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Principal investigator: Jill M. Wecht, Ed.D.
PI Email: jm.wecht@va.gov
PI Work: (718) 584-9000 ext. 3122

Study Research Coordinator(s)
 
VA CONTACTs: (718) 584-9000 ext. 1706
Matthew Maher: matthew.maher@va.gov
Finn Fox: fiona.fox2@va.gov
Caitlyn Peters: caityln.peters@va.gov  

KESSLER CONTACTs: (973) 324-3588
Caitlyn Peters: cpeters@kesslerfoundation.org
Matt Maher: mmaher@kesslerfoundation.org  

MOUNT SINAI CONTACTs: (914) 343-0173
Jorge Chavez: Jorge.Chavez2@mountsinai.org

DURATION

  • Up to 7 visits  
  • Reimbursement $100/per visit.  
  • Up to a total of $700.

STUDY TITLE

Transcutaneous Stimulation to Restore Autonomic Cardiovascular Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

ClinicalTrials.gov
Identifier: NCT05180227

SUMMARY OF STUDY

To map the spinal autonomic circuitry that can improve low blood pressure using spinal cord stimulation.To compare blood pressure, brain blood flow, and arterial stiffness during a head up tilt with and without spinal cord stimulation.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Age: 21-70 years old
  • SCI T6 & aboveInjured 1+ years
  • Low blood pressure  
  • No: History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thrombosis, or contractures, non-smoker, not pregnant.

STUDY TITLE: The association between blood pressure dysregulation and health-related quality of life in people with spinal cord injury

Principal investigator: Jill M. Wecht, Ed.D.
PI Email: jm.wecht@va.gov
PI Work: (718) 584-9000 ext. 3122

Study Research Coordinator(s)
 
VA CONTACTs: (718) 584-9000 ext. 1706
Matthew Maher: matthew.maher@va.gov
Finn Fox: fiona.fox2@va.gov
Caitlyn Peters: caityln.peters@va.gov  

KESSLER CONTACTs: (973) 324-3588
Caitlyn Peters: cpeters@kesslerfoundation.org
Matt Maher: mmaher@kesslerfoundation.org  

MOUNT SINAI CONTACTs: (914) 343-0173
Jorge Chavez: Jorge.Chavez2@mountsinai.org

DURATION

  • Two visits plus one week at home monitoring.
  • Reimbursement $40/baseline visit $70/home Monitoring Period
  • $10/return of monitor.  
  • Up to a total of $120.

STUDY TITLE

The association between blood pressure dysregulation and health-related quality of life in people with spinal cord injury

SUMMARY OF STUDY

To better understand the relationship between blood pressure changes during daily life and symptoms, mood, and routine activities.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Age: 18+ years
  • SCI T6 & above
  • Injured 1+ years
  • Have a smartphone or tablet.
  • Able to use the blood pressure monitor and mobile device at home with or without assistance.

STUDY TITLE: Autonomic Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Veterans with SCI

Principal investigator: Jill M. Wecht, Ed.D.
PI Email: jm.wecht@va.gov
PI Work: (718) 584-9000 ext. 3122

Study Research Coordinator(s)
 
VA CONTACTs: (718) 584-9000 ext. 1706
Matthew Maher: matthew.maher@va.gov
Finn Fox: fiona.fox2@va.gov
Caitlyn Peters: caityln.peters@va.gov  

KESSLER CONTACTs: (973) 324-3588
Caitlyn Peters: cpeters@kesslerfoundation.org
Matt Maher: mmaher@kesslerfoundation.org  

MOUNT SINAI CONTACTs: (914) 343-0173
Jorge Chavez: Jorge.Chavez2@mountsinai.org

DURATION

  • Four visits  
  • Reimbursement $25/screening
  • $100/per visit
  • Up to a total of $425

STUDY TITLE

Autonomic Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Veterans with SCI

ClinicalTrials.gov
Identifier: NCT05664646

SUMMARY OF STUDY

  • Study 1: To determine the effects of active spinal cord stimulation targeted for blood pressure control versus sham on exercise endurance during an arm cycle ergometry test.
  • Study 2: To compare the effects of active spinal cord stimulation versus sham on core body temperature regulation.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Age: 35-50 years
  • SCI C3-T1
  • Injured 1+ years
  • Motor-complete SCI
  • Low blood pressure  
  • No history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thrombosis, or contractures, non-smoker, not pregnant.

STUDY TITLE: Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Principal investigator: Jill M. Wecht, Ed.D.
PI Email: jm.wecht@va.gov
PI Work: (718) 584-9000 ext. 3122

Study Research Coordinator(s)
 
VA CONTACTs: (718) 584-9000 ext. 1706
Matthew Maher: matthew.maher@va.gov
Finn Fox: fiona.fox2@va.gov
Caitlyn Peters: caityln.peters@va.gov  

KESSLER CONTACTs: (973) 324-3588
Caitlyn Peters: cpeters@kesslerfoundation.org
Matt Maher: mmaher@kesslerfoundation.org  

MOUNT SINAI CONTACTs: (914) 343-0173
Jorge Chavez: Jorge.Chavez2@mountsinai.org

DURATION

  • Up to 10 visits @Bronx VA and Kessler  
  • Reimbursement
  • $50/screening
  • $100/per visit
  • Up to a total of $1,050

STUDY TITLE

Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

SUMMARY OF STUDY

  • Study 1: To determine the dose of two different medications that increases your blood pressure into a target range (111-139/70-85 mmHg).  
  • Study 2: To identify the effects of medications and compression garments on blood pressure and brain blood flow, symptoms, and levels of fatigue and thermal comfort.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Age: 18-60 years
  • SCI T6 & above
  • Injured 1+ years
  • Non-ambulatory
  • Low blood pressure  
  • No history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thrombosis, or contractures, non-smoker, not pregnant.