Involvement from the field plays a critical role in the success of the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). Periodically, we recruit individuals with spinal cord injury and their family members to participate in MSKTC activities. Here is a listing of our current recruitment initiatives:

Virtual Peer Coaching in Manual Wheelchair Skills

The University of Pittsburgh Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury is recruiting individuals with non-progressive spinal cord injuries/disorders to participate in a research study to determine the effectiveness of a peer-led remote manual wheelchair skills training program.

Participants will be asked to virtually complete six, one-on-one training sessions with a peer coach over 8 weeks and they will be asked to complete surveys at 5 separate timepoints (baseline, 2, 6, 8 and 12 months) over a 1-year period.

Eligibility Criteria Include:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Diagnosed with a non-progressive SCI or disorder
  • Reside in the community
  • Independently use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of mobility
  • Living in the United States
  • Able to speak and read English
  • Access to internet-ready device with video capabilities
  • Access to spotter for practicing wheelchair skills
  • Desire training in at least 5 of the 16 skills targeted by the program

Participants will receive $75 for completing the training intervention and up to $125 for completion of all surveys.

If you have questions, contact study coordinator Lee Tempest at tempestml@upmc.edu or 412-232-9326 or visit here to learn more.

SCI Model System Center at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Recruiting for Online Focus Group

Researchers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are recruiting participants for an online focus group to learn about the perspectives of care partners on the experiences and outcomes of people living with spinal cord injuries. The purpose of the study is to learn how rehabilitation experiences and outcomes are related to rehabilitation length of stay in different countries.

Focus group participants will:

  • Attend one 90-minute online focus group with 4-9 other people.
  • Answer questions in a group format about your experiences caring for an individual living with a spinal cord injury.
  • Answer survey questions before and after the focus group.

Eligible Participants will be:

  • Providing care for an individual living with a traumatic or nontraumatic spinal cord injury for 1+ years post-discharge from inpatient rehabilitation
  • 18+ years old
  • Able to participate in an online meeting
  • Able to provide consent

Participants will receive $25.

If interested, call 312-238-8046 or email at lcashdolla@sralab.org.

SCI Model System Center at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute Recruiting for a Bowel-focused Research Study

Researchers from the Northeast Ohio Regional SCI Model System are recruiting for a study (https://scitrials.org/trial/NCT05626816) testing whether electrical stimulation of the skin in the pelvic area can reduce the reflexes that cause bowel accidents after spinal cord injury. Bowel problems are one of the biggest daily challenges faced by people living with SCI – about 75% report problems with bowel accidents.

Eligible participants must be:

  • Living with a traumatic spinal cord injury between C1 – T12
  • At least 6 months post-injury
  • 18+ years old
  • Able to travel to Cleveland, OH for a 1-day visit (travel assistance provided)

Participants will receive compensation for their time. If interested, contact at 216-957-3518 or acallaway@metrohealth.org.

SCI Model System Center at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Recruiting for a Research Focus Group

Researchers from the SCI Model System center at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are recruiting for an online focus group to learn about the experiences and outcomes of people living with spinal cord injuries, and how they are related to the length and intensity of rehabilitation services across countries. The purpose of the study is to learn how rehabilitation experiences and outcomes are related to rehabilitation length of stay across different countries.

Eligible participants must be;

  • Living with a spinal cord injury
  • 1+ years after discharge from first inpatient rehabilitation
  • 18+ years old
  • Able to participate in an online meeting
  • Able to provide consent

Participants will receive $25 for their time. They will attend one 90-minute online focus group with 4-9 other people, answer questions in a group format about their experiences with rehabilitation services and living with a spinal cord injury. A survey will be conducted after the focus group.

The focus group will take place online so travel is not required.

If interested, contact at 312-238-8046 or lcashdolla@sralab.org

National Capital SCI Model System Recruiting Research Participants

The National Capital Spinal Cord Injury Model System, based at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, is recruiting participants for a research study on urinary symptoms. The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of saline vs. probiotic bladder wash to reduce urinary symptoms. To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old with SCI, multiple sclerosis, or spina bifida.

Participants will receive $25 for completion of phase 1 and 2, and $50 for completion of phase 3. If interested, please contact Emily Leonard, PhD, at emily.m.leonard@medstar.net or 202-877-1844.

Recruiting SCI Ambassadors

The MSTKC is recruiting people who are passionate about improving the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) as ambassadors. SCI ambassadors take part in research activities, help create and test MSKTC resources, and share these free resources with those who will benefit from them the most. SCI ambassadors help the MSKTC to better meet the needs of people with SCI and their families.