NCT07386522 · Washington University School of Medicine
Health Information for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
What this study is about
The goal of this pilot study is to design and feasibility test a mobile phone text messaging (SMS) self-management intervention for persons with spinal cord injury (PwSCI). The project will focus on providing a 16-week text messaging intervention on the secondary health conditions of bowel/bladder management, pain, pressure injury, and psychosocial health.
View original scientific description
The goal of this pilot study is to design and feasibility test a mobile phone text messaging (SMS) self-management intervention for persons with spinal cord injury (PwSCI). The project will focus on providing a 16-week text messaging intervention on the secondary health conditions of bowel/bladder management, pain, pressure injury, and psychosocial health. Our hopes are to reduce the impact of secondary health conditions (SHC) for PwSCI. The project hopes to test whether the developed self-management program will be feasible and superior to a control group. determine the feasibility and efficacy of the SMS intervention main questions the study aims to answer are: Participants will: Complete an initial assessment Participate in a 16-week text messaging program using their mobile phones Complete 4-week check-ins Complete a post assessment The main question\[s\] it aims to answer \[is/are\]: \[primary hypothesis or outcome measure 1\]? \[primary hypothesis or outcome measure 2\]? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare \[arm information\] to see if \[insert effects\]. Participants will \[describe the main tasks participants will be asked to do, interventions they'll be given and use bullets if it is more than 2 items\].
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Secondary Health Conditions (SHC) text message group
The Secondary Health Conditions (SHC) text message group will participate in a 16-week text message intervention in which they will receive and respond to text messages focused on SHC information. Each domain or 4-week period will include text messages on one SHC (psychosocial health, bowel and bladder management, pressure injury/skin management, and pain). Every 4 weeks the domain topic will change until all 4 topics have been covered. On Mondays-Thursdays participants will receive messages that don't require a return response and on Fridays participants will receive a total of 5 messages, three that will require a short response. The overall goal is to provide daily tips to help manage SHC.
BEHAVIORAL
Motivational text message group
The motivational text message group will participate in a 16-week text message intervention in which the participants will receive and respond to text messages that are motivational in nature. On Mondays-Thursdays they will receive messages that don't require a return response and on Fridays participants will receive a total of 3 messages, one of those requiring a return response.
Primary outcome measures
The Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13)
Time frame: Baseline, every 4 weeks during 16-week intervention and up to 2 weeks post intervention
The Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) assesses four levels of activation: (1) the patient is disengaged and overwhelmed, (2) the patient is becoming aware but still struggling, (3) the patient takes action, and (4) the patient maintains behaviors. The psychometric properties of the PAM-13 have been assessed in multiple healthcare settings. Raw PAM-13 scores can be transformed into a continuous (0-100) scale, where higher score represent higher levels of patient activation. In order to target self-management strategies, participants will proceed through these levels.
Self-Care in Spinal Cord Injuries Inventory (SC-SCII) and Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale in Spinal Cord Injuries (SCSES-SCI)
Time frame: Baseline and up to 2 weeks post intervention
The Self-Care in Spinal Cord Injuries Inventory and Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale in Spinal Cord Injuries are valid and reliable instruments designed to assess self-care behaviors in individuals with spinal cord injuries. There are four self-care dimensions: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, self-care management and self-care self-efficacy. Scoring uses a 5-point rating scale. Higher scores show better self-care.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- Diagnosis of SCI
- At least 3 months from date of injury or illness
- Identify at least one secondary health condition (pain, pressure injury, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and psychosocial distress) that impacts daily life
- Live in the community
- English as primary language
- Ability and willingness to use their own smartphone to receive and respond to text messages for the 16-week study period
- Ability and willingness to participate in two full assessments and an additional four check ins during the 16-week study period
Exclusion criteria
- \- Current admission in a hospital or in-patient rehabilitation facility
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations