One of the research projects of the newly-funded RRTC will soon begin at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Washington, DC and the Miami Project at the University of Miami School of Medicine.   This study examines the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) across various injury levels in people with SCI.   CVD is a major secondary condition experienced by people with SCI, so it is important to gain better knowledge about CVD risk factors.  With knowledge and understanding about risk factors for CVD, prevention measures can then be started earlier in order to avoid a deterioration in health and quality of life.  

Authoritative standards identifying the need for lifestyle and/or medical interventions for the general population have never been specifically studied or applied to people with SCI.   The ultimate goal of this research is to move closer to establishing such standards for people with SCI and to provide the scientific foundation for targeted interventions.

The purpose of this new research is to study the need for lifestyle and medical interventions to prevent CVD in people with various levels of complete SCI.  Specifically, the study seeks to find out the individual and clinical factors that predict CVD risks and require medical interventions or lifestyle changes.   As part of the study, physiological responses to arm exercise will also be looked at to determine individuals’ level of physical fitness.

Information gained from this study is designed to 1) improve the allocation of medical and therapeutic resources to people with SCI, 2) address the SCI-specific risks that contribute to CVD, and 3) allow for the systematic tracking of CVD with the passage of time after SCI.