Abdominal Stimulation to reduce respiratory complications
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Abdominal Stimulation to Reduce Respiratory Complications in Spinal Cord Injury
IRAS ID
247511
Contact name
Henrik Gollee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Compromised respiratory function as a result of tetraplegia (i.e. paralysis affecting all four limbs, usually as a results a spinal cord injury in the neck region) is associated with respiratory complications, such as respiratory infections or even respiratory failure leading to mechanical ventilation. Surface electrical stimulation of the abdominal muscles, termed Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), can be used to make the abdominal muscles contract, even when paralysed as a result of tetraplegia. We have shown in previous studies that Abdominal FES improves the respiratory function in people with tetraplegia. While reduced respiratory function is linked to respiratory complications, evidence that Abdominal FES reduces respiratory complications remains anecdotal. We therefore propose the first multi-centre randomised placebo controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of Abdominal FES to reduce respiratory complications in tetraplegic patients in the first few months after injury.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0290
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion