Protocol for Rapid Onset of Mobilization in Patients With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury III (PROMPT-SCI III) Trial

GOALS: This longitudinal cohort study will investigate the clinical benefits of early acute exercise therapy after mild spinal cord injury (SCI).

Primary hypothesis: Recovering independent walking 1 year after a mild SCI is more likely with early acute exercise therapy, in comparison with a historical cohort not exposed to early acute exercise therapy. We have determined that an increase in the percentage of individuals recovering independent walking in the community from 35% to 55% would be considered as a clinically meaningful increase.

Secondary hypothesis: Acute complications, neurological recovery, functional independence, quality of life and care pathway are improved with early acute exercise therapy.

METHODS: For this 5-year study, 107 participants with mild acute traumatic SCI will be recruited. Participants will perform daily 30-minute sessions of seated cycling throughout acute care, starting within 2 days of their surgery to decompress the spinal cord. The immediate response to cycling will be monitored from physiological (hemodynamic and respiratory) and electrophysiological (electromyography and H-reflex testing in lower extremities) assessments. Independent walking in the community (primary outcome) is defined by the ability to walk 100 meters outdoors without technical aids or only with leg orthosis. Secondary outcomes include all complications occurring during acute care (particularly early spasticity, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and pressure injury) and the care pathway (discharge destination and length of stay), as well as neurological recovery, functional independence and quality of life 1 year after the SCI. Outcomes will be compared to a control cohort of patients with mild SCI who did not receive exercise therapy during acute care, and the association with electrophysiological measures will be assessed.

Inclusion criteria

• adults 18 years or older with non-penetrating traumatic SCI
• SCI severity AIS grade D (motor function preserved with most key muscles able to move against gravity)
• NLI between C0 and L2; and spine surgery performed within 48 hours of SCI

Exclusion criteria

• intubated and mechanically ventilated
• conditions interfering with patient safety or ability to undergo cycling
• body mass index 40 kg/m2 or less (to prevent "frog leg" position during cycling)
• moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
• hemodynamic instability
• pelvic or lower extremity
• injury with weight-bearing or mobilization restrictions