Model Systems Research Projects
National Database:
Allen Heinemann, Ph.D., Anne Deutsch, Ph.D.
Research Assistant/Contact: Holly DeMark 312-238-2826
The National Database involves the collection of acute, rehabilitation and follow-up data on SCI patients who receive care in the system following an SCI injury. Used to track the long-term consequences of SCI, the national database facilitates comprehensive research in the areas of medical rehabilitation, health and wellness, service delivery, short- and long-term interventions, and systems research.
Development of Low-Cost Devices to Increase Delivery of Intensive Treadmill Training:
George Hornby P.T., Ph.D.
This assisted technology study will explore the "costs" of specific biomechanical tasks associated with walking and examine the use of "passive" elastic actuators (stretched rubber bands) as well as develop low-cost devices to assist limb swing and propulsion for use in a clinical setting.
Disparities in Access to and Outcomes of Rehabilitation Care for Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries with Spinal Cord Injury:
Anne Deutsch, Ph.D.
This study will examine the experiences of individuals with SCI who may be at risk for less-than-optimal outcomes due to advanced age or limited financial resources.
Assistive Technology for Mobility - Collaborative Module:
Jessica Pedersen, MBA, OTR/L
Research Assistant/Contact: Brenda Canning 312-238-8014
The ATM module will collect data needed to understand the impact of coverage changes, explore the issue of disparity in ATM prescription as well as investigate the impact of policy change on wheelchairs (W/C's) and the number of working W/C's an individual owns.
SCI REHAB: Improving Outcomes through Practice-Based Evidence: David Chen, MD, Allen Heinemann, Ph.D.
A multi-site evidence based study for clinical practice improvement which identifies specific nursing/medical procedures and therapy interventions associated with better outcomes, controlling for patient characteristics, to determine whether specific impairment-by-treatment interactions are associated with better outcomes.
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PrISMS: Project to Improve Symptoms & Mood after Spinal Cord Injury: Catherine Wilson PsyD. 888-264-0843
A multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) in which people who suffer from Major Depression Disorder (1-20 years post SCI) will receive anti-depressant therapy.
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