Current Research Studies
Comparing prism adaptation therapy and bromocriptine medication for spatial neglect: theoretical and practical outcomes.
Active StudyIn this, the only large-scale NIH-funded US study of treatment for hidden visual disabilities after stroke, participants are assigned to receive either behavioral treatment with prism adaptation, or medication treatment.
Patient Population
Stroke Inpatients meeting inclusion criteria.
Sponsoring Agencies
National Institutes of Health
Hyde and Watson Foundation
Kessler Foundation
Investigators
Anna M. Barrett, M.D.
KMRREC
973.324.3564
Monika Eller
Chester
Cristin McKenna, M.D., Ph.D.
West Orange
Uri Adler, M.D.
Saddle Brook
Investigating spatial bias in patients with post-stroke spatial neglect.
Active StudyParticipants with hidden visual disabilities after stroke are evaluated to understand the brain systems affected, whether the problem is affected by distraction or is different in near versus far space, and whether interventions may improve errors.
Patient Population
Stroke Inpatients meeting inclusion criteria.
Sponsoring Agencies
National Institutes of Health
Hyde and Watson Foundation
Kessler Foundation
Investigators
Cristin McKenna, M.D., Ph.D.
West Orange
Monika Eller
Chester
Uri Adler, M.D.
Saddle Brook
Robin Hedeman
West Orange
Insulin resistance intervention after stroke (IRIS) trial.
Active StudyThe purpose of IRIS is to determine the effectiveness of pioglitazone, compared with placebo, for prevention of recurrent stroke and heart attack among non-diabetic men and women with a recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and insulin resistance.
Patient Population
Stroke Inpatients meeting inclusion criteria.
Sponsoring Agencies
The IRIS Trial is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the United States National Institutes of Heath. Study pills are provided by the manufacturer of pioglitazone, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, North America.
Investigators
Anna M. Barrett, M.D.
KMRREC
973.324.3564
Aricept plus a behavioral strategy to improve vascular dementia.
Active StudyTo determine if donepezil (Aricept)* enhances the ability to remember steps of functional tasks and the actual ability to perform tasks relevant to real-life independence. (*Aricept is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.)
Patient Population
Stroke Inpatients meeting inclusion criteria.
Sponsoring Agencies
Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Investigators
Anna M. Barrett, M.D.
KMRREC
973.324.3564
John Deluca, Ph.D.
KMRREC
Recovery of Function across Rehabilitation Settings:
An Equating and Effectiveness Study
Active Study
This study is collecting 3 data sets on each patient, IRF-PAI, OASIS, and MDS to equate data from post acute settings.
Patient Population
Stroke Inpatients
Hip Fracture Inpatients
Hip Replacement Inpatients
Sponsoring Agencies
NIDRR
Rehab Institute of Chicago
Kessler Study Site
Investigators
Joan Alverzo, PhD, PI
973.324.3564
Mary Ann Protz, CRRN
A prospective randomized parallel-group multi-center study to compare the occurrence of urinary tract infections in patients with spinal cord injury either using coated or uncoated intermittent catheters
Active StudyPatient Population
SCI Inpatients (These patients may be followed in the outpatient setting if they are discharged before the study end date.)
Sponsoring Agencies
Coloplast Corporation
Investigators
Monifa Brooks, M.D., PI
Steve Koltenuk, CRRN
West Orange
Jay Rosenberg, CRRN
West Orange
Sue Sauer, RN
West Orange
Prevention of Long Term Respiratory Complications of Spinal Cord Injury:
A Randomized Controlled Trial
Active Study
Participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment group using pulse oximetry and mechanical assisted cough or an active group using pulse oximetry and incentive spirometry
Patient Population
SCI outpatients meeting inclusive criteria.
Sponsoring Agencies
Progenics Pharmaceuticals
Investigators
Steven Kirshblum, M.D.
West Orange
Steven Koltenuk, RN, CRRN
West Orange
John Bach, M.D.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Michael Feinberg, BS, RRT
West Orange
Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation Reinforcement of Walking Speed (SIRROWS):
Multi-site Stroke Walking Trial
Active Study
Examining the impact of verbal feedback to "walk faster" on gait velocity
Patient Population
Inpatients with Stroke
Sponsoring Agencies
University of California of Los Angeles
Multiple other facilities are participating in data collection and/or recruitment
Investigators
Anna M. Barrett, M.D.
KMRREC
973.324.3564
Kirk Endersby, PT
West Orange
Dr. McKenna
West Orange
Jessica Waugaman, PT
Daniel Kalemba, PT
West Orange
PALS Plus Study (Study looks at impact of individuals receiving PALS support group PLUS Peer visitor on self-management skills
Active StudyPALS = Promoting Amputee Life Skills Study is currently screening patients for enrollment.
Patient Population
Individuals with limb amputation. Must screen patients within one month of surgery.
Sponsoring Agencies
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
University of Washington
Amputee Coalition of America
Investigators
Dr. Pomeranz
Saddle Brook
Daniel Kalemba, PT
West Orange
Mary Elizabeth Cuaycong, PT
Saddle Brook
Cynthia Macaluso, PT
Saddle Brook
Development of Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery network
Active Study(CDRF-NRN) database for Functional, Health, and Quality of Life Improvements after Neurological Injury
Patient Population
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury — Outpatient Physical Therapy
Sponsoring Agencies
NRN
CDC
KMRREC
KIR
Investigators
Gail Forrest, PhD, Director
KMRREC
OP Therapy
Denise DeLorenzo, PT
West Orange
Dr. Kirshblum, M.D.
West Orange
Pat Judd, PT, MS, MBA
West Orange
Michele Cirigliano, PT, DPT
West Orange
Kelly Carr, PT, DPT
West Orange
Elizabeth Caputo, PT, DPT
West Orange
Maureen Duane Pfeiffer, PTA
West Orange
Sue Ann Sisto, PT, PhD
Dr. Brooks, M.D.
West Orange
Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2001 – Present
The Efficacy of Zoledronate in the Prevention of Bone Loss in Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Active StudyPatient Population
Acute SCI patients (w/i 3 mo. of injury) on an in-patient and/or outpatient basis
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2003 – Present
Pharmacological Stimulation of Endogenous Anabolic Hormones
Active StudyEffect of Low-Dose Baclofen Administration on the GH-IGF-1 Axis
Patient Population: Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Patient Population
Acute SCI patients (w/i 3 mo. of injury) on an inpatient and/or outpatient basis
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2001 – Present
Vitamin D and Calcium Replacement/Supplementation in Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Active Study
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2006 – Present
The Effect of Cold Pressor Tests on Cardiovascular Autonomic Regulation in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury (open for data analysis only)
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2006 – Present
24-Hour Blood Pressure Study and Vascular Control in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Prospective assessment of neurological functioning following traumatic SCI
Active StudyPatient Population
Acute SCI
Sponsoring Agencies
KMRREC
Location(s)
Part of Model System study
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Investigators
David Tulsky, PhD
Erin Stivala
Prevention of Long-Term Respiratory Complications of Spinal cord injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI (Mostly tetraplegia with low peak cough flow or history of pneumonia)
Sponsoring Agencies
Model System
Location(s)
KIR
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Standing Retraining (SRT) and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for SCI
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI (ASIA A, B or C)
Sponsoring Agencies
N/A
Location(s)
KMRREC
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Investigators
Gail Forrest, PhD
24-Hour Blood Pressure Study and Vascular Control in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in Spinal Cord Injury: Conventional and Emerging
Active StudyPatient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>6-months past DOI)
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2007 – Present
Breaking the News: Discussing Prognosis to Acute Spinal Cord Injured Individuals
PendingPatient Population
Acute and chronic SCI with midlevel paraplegia or tetraplegia
Sponsoring Agencies
N/A
Location(s)
KIR
Date(s)
2008
Investigators
Steven C. Kirshblum, M.D.
West Orange
Virtual reality Study for Driving in SCI
Active StudyPatient Population
Valid driver
Sponsoring Agencies
NJ Commission for SCI
Location(s)
KMRREC
Date(s)
2006 – Present
Investigators
David Tulsky, PhD
KMRRED
Brianne Smith
KMRREC
Robot Assisted Training Compared to Traditional Therapeutic Interventions and its Effect on Upper Extremity Motor Recovery following Acute Stroke
PendingPatient Population
Stroke Inpatients
Sponsoring Agencies
Kessler
Investigators
Lauren McDonagh, PT
973.324.3564
Antoinette Gentile, OTR
Dr.Uri Adler, M.D.
Saddle Brook
Pressure Mapping of Seating in Motor Vehicles in Full-Time Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury.
PendingAwaiting IRB approval to begin.
Patient Population
SCI population-Will take 10 clients from original survey above
Sponsoring Agencies
Spinal Cord Research Fund, Grant #208 in HHK.
Investigators
Isa McClure, PT
West Orange
Jeremiah Nieves, M.D.
West Orange
Steven C. Kirshblum, M.D.
West Orange
Sean McCarthy, OT
West Orange
Pharmacological Stimulation of Endogenous Anabolic Hormones
Provocative Testing of the Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, (Open for data analysis only)
Patient Population
Chronic SCI patients (>1-year past DOI)
Healthy Able-bodied Subjects
Sponsoring Agencies
VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service (RRDS)
Location(s)
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
KIR
Date(s)
2001 – Present
Use of Specialty Cushions in Full-Time Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury.
CompletedRecently completed-to be presented at ASIA in June, 2008
Patient Population
SCI population (no history of severe TBI, at least 12 months post injury)
Sponsoring Agencies
SCI grant, #208
Investigators
Isa McClure, PT
West Orange
Jeremiah Nieves, M.D.
West Orange
Steven C. Kirshblum, M.D.
West Orange
Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Coverage Denials — Assessment of Denied Cases Based on Medical Necessity Criteria Contrasted with the AAPM&R Standards for Medical Necessity
PendingPending IRB approval
Patient Population
Inpatient rehabilitation patients in US hospitals
Sponsoring Agencies
Foundation for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Location(s)
KIR
Date(s)
Pending
Investigators
Bruce M. Gans, M.D.
John L. Melvin, M.D.
Irma Fiedler, PhD
