Minneapolis, MNNCT06140355Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Spinal Cord Injuries Clinical Trial in Minneapolis, MN

Access cutting-edge spinal cord injuries treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Minneapolis. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of Minnesota

Quick Self-Assessment

See if you qualify for this Minneapolis location

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Expert Care in Minneapolis

Access spinal cord injuries specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related spinal cord injuries treatment provided free

Apply for This Minneapolis Location

Check if you qualify for this spinal cord injuries clinical trial in Minneapolis, MN

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Minneapolis

    Convenient for MN residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Minneapolis site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Spinal Cord Injuries Study in Minneapolis

Chronic neuropathic pain affects 69% of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Current treatment options are limited (primarily pain medications) with insufficient benefits and significant risks for addiction and adverse effects. Of the available mind and body approaches, Qigong is the most accessible for adults with SCI with evidence for effectiveness in reducing pain, but there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for adults with SCI. Thus, the feasibility of Qigong in SCI needs to be established. To support our feasibility study, we investigated a 12-week remote Qigong program in adults with SCI and neuropathic pain. We recruited 23 adults with SCI, 18 completed the study, and 12 completed the 1-year follow-up. They practiced Qigong 138% of the required intensity (which was, at least 3x/week with Qigong video through the internet). Their pain was reduced by 44% after 12 weeks of Qigong practice and was still reduced at the 6-week and 1-year follow-up. However, three key elements need to be addressed before performing a larger effectiveness study: (1) feasibility/acceptability of Qigong from adults with SCI of diverse backgrounds; (2) feasibility of the study design with control group); and (3) objective outcome measures. This R34 feasibility study, the HAPPINESS trial (cHAnging the Perceived Pain INtensity in divErSe populations with Spinal cord injury), will expand on our prior study to consolidate feasibility with a rigorous protocol. We will address the following aims: AIM 1. Identify the facilitators/barriers to participating in a Qigong study through focus groups/interviews with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, defined as Hispanics, veterans, and adults living in rural, underserved areas. AIM 2. Establish the feasibility of study design/methods of the HAPPINESS trial in adults with SCI (at least 50% of diverse backgrounds) through pre-specified targets for recruitment/enrollment, feasibility, and acceptability of design and outcomes. Using a Phase I randomized controlled trial design, 40 adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain will be randomized to 12-week remote Qigong intervention OR a short daily pain management survey that can be completed on phone/iPad/computer + 6-month follow-up. The study results will facilitate a rigorous structure to design larger effectiveness studies and facilitate a clear pathway for researchers to investigate Qigong and other mind-body approaches for whole-person health in diverse groups of adults with chronic/neurological disorders.

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

18+ years old
medically stable
with neuropathic pain 4 or above on the numeric pain rating scale + screened with painDETECT
willing to participate in a remote Qigong intervention (from any location with internet connection)
fluent in English or Spanish
access to the internet and a computer/iPad or smartphone

Exclusion Criteria

uncontrolled seizure disorder
cognitive impairment and/or communicative disability (e.g., due to brain injury) preventing them from following directions or from learning
ventilator dependency
major medical complications
pressure ulcers hindering prolonged sitting or lying down
(planning to become) pregnant or planning a major surgery during the study (given study duration, regular Qigong practice, and frequent check-ins)
regular Tai Chi or Qigong practice in the past 6 months (3x/week or more)
currently engaged in other rehabilitation programs that would influence outcomes

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Minneapolis?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06140355) has an active research site in Minneapolis, MN that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Spinal Cord Injuries Treatment Options in Minneapolis, MN

If you're searching for spinal cord injuries treatment options in Minneapolis, MN, this clinical trial (NCT06140355) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Minneapolis research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced spinal cord injuries specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Ready to Join in Minneapolis?

Take the first step toward participating in this groundbreaking clinical trial

Secure · Expert Care · Minneapolis, MN