Virtual Sailing Simulator in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The research is being done to look at the benefits of a recreational and therapeutic program for people with spinal cord injury using the VSail-Access sailing simulator.

Detailed Description
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The VSail-Access is the first sailing simulator available for people with disabilities. The VSail-Access simulator is a variation on the VSail where the cockpit is fitted with a seat. The VSail simulator is a generic sailboat cockpit powered by a pneumatic ram and custom designed software. The sailor sails the simulator around virtual courses displayed on a computer screen in the same way as a real sailboat on water. Electronic sensors provide real time feedback to match the movements of the virtual sailboat displayed on the screen with those of the simulator. Sailors can select wind strength and conditions to suit their ability. Adults with spinal cord injury may take part in this study.

Official Title
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Virtual Sailing Simulator in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Conditions
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Spinal Cord Injury

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: The VSail-Access simulator


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Males and Females, age 18-55 years, all ethnic groups. Spinal Cord Injury. Chronic injury, > 6 months from the injury. All ASIA neurological levels (C1-S1) All ASIA impairment scale A-D . Subjects are able to comply with procedures and follow-up. Subjects are medically stable, with no recent (1 month or less) inpatient admission for acute medical or surgical issues. Exclusion Criteria: Cardiovascular disease as defined by previous myocardial infarction, unstable angina, requirement for anti platelet agents, congestive heart failure, or stroke NYHA Class III or IV, history of arrhythmia with hemodynamic instability. Uncontrolled hypertension (resting systolic BP > 160mmHg, or diastolic BP > 100mmHg consistently). Severe hypotension (systolic BP < 80 mmHg, or diastolic BP < 55 mmHg). Ventilator dependent subjects. Significant cognitive impairment. History of epileptic seizures. Unstable long bone fractures of the extremities. Subjects having Stage III or greater skin ulcerations. Active sailor. Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Virtual Sailing<br>you will be doing 60 minutes of Virtual Sailing training, 1 time a week for 12 weeks | Device: The VSail-Access simulator<br>* You will be transferred to the VSail cockpit and secured. Following the trainer's instruction, you will sail the simulator around virtual courses displayed on a computer screen, using a joystick to control the rudder angle and a mainsheet to control the set of the sail. You will do this for 1 hour.<br>* Other names: VSail-Access simulator;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ASIA Exam | This is a routine test performed for people with spinal cord injury. The ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) exam assesses motor function at 10 key muscles in the body and light touch and pinprick sensation at 28 key points on each side of the body. It is also used to classify injury level and severity. This test will be performed on all subjects. | Baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Questionnaire (SCI QL-23 | This is a routine test performed for people with spinal cord injury. The SCI QL-23 is a 23-item health-related quality of life questionnaire. The subject will read the questionnaire and answer the questions; if needed ,assistance will be provided to record the answers on the form. The SCI QL-23 questionnaire will be used for all subjects. | Baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks | 
| Functional Reach Test, Level of Trunk Activation Test | Two different assessments of how you are able to use your trunk will be performed. This test is performed by patient reaching forward as far as they can while seated in their wheelchair.This test will assess the activation of trunk muscle by asking the patient to perform a sit-up from the supine position | Baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks | 
| Grasp/Pinch test | This is a routine test performed for people with spinal cord injury. This is a standard test used to assess strength of grasp and lateral pinch. The Jamar dynamometer will be used to assess grasp and lateral pinch. This test will be performed on all subjects. | Baseline and 12 weeks | 
| Sailing Ability Questionnaire | This is a routine test performed for people involved in a training program. This questionnaire will assess the subject's views about sailing, as well as the subject's perceived sailing abilities. | Baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks | 
| ASIA Exam | This is a routine test performed for people with spinal cord injury. The ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) exam assesses motor function at 10 key muscles in the body and light touch and pinprick sensation at 28 key points on each side of the body. It is also used to classify injury level and severity. This test will be performed on all subjects. | at 6 weeks and 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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spinal cord injury, Virtual sailing, Vsail