Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pilot Study of a Sedentary Behaviour Intervention for Individuals With a Spinal Cord Injury

This study is investigating a new eight-week programme, called REACH-SCI, designed for people with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs. We know that spending a lot of time sitting down can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and this risk can be higher for wheelchair users. This programme was created with input from people with spinal cord injuries and healthcare professionals. It includes things like wearable trackers, educational materials, and peer support to help people sit less. Researchers want to see if the programme is safe, if people find it easy to follow, and if it helps to improve markers related to heart health, physical activity, and well-being.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Brunel University

Enrolment target

Start

12 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Spinal Cord Injury

What is this study about?

Heart disease and stroke are serious health conditions, and unfortunately, people with a spinal cord injury have a higher chance of developing them. One reason for this might be that many wheelchair users spend a lot of time sitting down. Although we know that reducing sitting time can be good for health, there aren't many programmes specifically designed to help people with spinal cord injuries do this.

This is where the REACH-SCI programme comes in. It's an eight-week programme that was put together with the help of people with spinal cord injuries, doctors, and other experts. The main aim of this study is to test this new programme to see if it's safe, if people find it acceptable and helpful, and if it could potentially improve their heart health and overall well-being. We want to understand how well it works before it could potentially be offered more widely.

The programme itself involves several parts. You might use a special watch to remind you to move more, learn about why sitting less is important, and set personal goals. It also includes one-to-one support, a group chat with other participants for peer support, and some simple exercise tools like resistance bands and a hand bike to help you break up your sitting time throughout the day.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new 8-week programme for wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.
It aims to reduce sitting time and improve heart health.
The programme includes activity trackers, education, support, and tools.
Researchers will check if it's safe, helpful, and easy to use.
Measurements will be taken before and after the programme.
It could help improve quality of life and reduce health risks.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have a specific type of spinal cord injury called paraplegia. This means your injury is at or below the T1 level of your spine. You should primarily use a manual wheelchair to get around, both at home and outside.

To join, you'll need to be able to travel to Brunel University of London for study appointments and have access to a smartphone or tablet with internet. You also need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to take part in the programme and provide consent.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain heart conditions, uncontrolled changes in your blood pressure (autonomic dysreflexia), are pregnant, or are already taking part in another clinical study involving a new treatment.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a spinal cord injury called paraplegia (T1 level or below)?
Do you mostly use a manual wheelchair for getting around?
Can you travel to Brunel University of London for appointments?
Do you have a smartphone or tablet with internet access?
Are you generally healthy enough for light physical activity?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, we will first take some measurements to see what your health is like before the programme starts. These measurements will include checking things like your physical activity levels, how long you sit, how you feel, and some blood tests.

After these initial checks, you will take part in the REACH-SCI programme for eight weeks. This programme involves several elements like using a wearable activity tracker, attending educational sessions, setting goals, having one-to-one support meetings, and joining a group chat. You'll also be given some simple exercise tools. After the eight weeks, we will repeat all the measurements to see if there have been any changes. We will also ask you about your experience with the programme through interviews and questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might have some benefits, such as potentially improving your heart health, reducing time spent sitting, and improving your overall well-being. You'll also learn more about managing your health. As with any activity, there's always a very small chance of discomfort or strain, especially when trying new physical activities. However, the programme is designed to be safe, and we will check for any existing conditions that might make such activities risky. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Brunel University of London
Verified postcode
Uxbridge, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'sedentary behaviour'?

Sedentary behaviour means activities where you are sitting or lying down and using very little energy, like watching TV or working at a desk.

Why is this programme only for people with paraplegia?

The programme was specifically designed with input from people with paraplegia and healthcare professionals to make sure it meets their unique needs and challenges.

Do I have to do specific exercises?

The programme provides tools like exercise bands and a handcycle to help you break up sitting time, but the focus is on reducing sitting, rather than intense exercise.

Will I get help using the activity tracker?

Yes, the programme includes education and one-to-one support, which will cover how to use all the tools, including the wearable activity tracker.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and study results will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes, following strict privacy rules.