Miami Project scientists’ Mark S. Nash, Ph.D. and Edelle Field-Fote, Ph.D., PT were recently awarded funding as part of a multi-center grant from the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, D.C. Dr. Nash will be conducting a three-year study to more clearly identify predictors of risk for diseases of the heart and circulation in people with SCI. As a result of the study, the investigators also hope to develop a systematic assessment for lifestyle and medical interventions to reduce this risk. This series of studies will include individuals with injuries between C5 and T12 who have been injured for at least one year. Two hundred forty volunteers will visit the laboratory on two separate occasions to complete blood work and exercise testing.
In a related three-year project, Dr. Field-Fote will work together with their Washington-based colleagues to investigate effects of Robotic Locomotor Training on bone mineral density, quality of life and walking function. Individuals with incomplete ASIA C injuries above T10 and who have been injured less than four months may be eligible for research participation. Volunteers meeting these criteria will either serve as control subjects visiting the laboratory three times in 24 weeks or will participate in Gait Training visiting the lab 3 days per week for 24 weeks.
