AI-Guided Predictions of Blood Pressure Dysregulation Using Perfusion Index as a Novel Biomarker in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
24 participants
Jul 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if perfusion index (PI) can reliably predict changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) during a cool temperature challenge. Participants with SCI can be 18-75 years of age, male or female, neurological level of injury C4-T12, ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS: A or B: motor complete) or gender and healthy age-matched able-bodied (AB) controls. The main question this study aims to answer is: can PI reliably predict change in SBP during a cool temperature challenge? We hypothesize that PI can be used as a biomarker of SBP in persons with SCI. Researchers will compare the relationship of 1) changes in PI and SBP and 2) relationship of changes in other vital signs to SBP, during the cool temperature challenge. The researchers aim to determine if PI can be used as a biomarker of SBP in persons with SCI during a cool temperature challenge (experimental group/arm). Able-bodied controls (control group/arm) will receive the same intervention (cool challenge) as the experimental group. During the study, participants will be asked to wear only shorts and a T-shirt so that their skin can be exposed to the warm and cool temperatures of the 2 rooms. We will put put on non-invasive sensors (taped or attached on the surface of your body) to measure PI, BP, and other vital signs. We will record these measurements while you are seated in a wheelchair for 10 minutes in a warm room and up to 90 minutes in a cool room.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- You have had a spinal cord injury (SCI: C4-T12) for more than one year and the SCI was graded as ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B (unable to voluntarily move your legs)
- You can also be a gender and age-matched (±5 years) able-bodied (AB) control subject (similar gender and age to a subject with SCI).
- Subjects with SCI and AB controls must be between 18 and 75 years of age.
- If you are going to participate, you must avoid caffeine and alcohol, maintain normal salt and water intake, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to the study visit.
Exclusion Criteria9
- You have cardiovascular, kidney, or untreated thyroid disease
- You have a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- You have diabetes mellitus
- You have an acute illness or infection
- You are dehydrated
- You smoke
- You are pregnant
- You have broken, inflamed, or otherwise fragile skin
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 30 kg/m2
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Participants with SCI will undergo a controlled, non-invasive cool thermal challenge of 18°C (64.4°F) in a climate-controlled chamber for up to 90 minutes. Participants will remain seated in their wheelchair while wearing a standard T-shirt and shorts to ensure uniform skin exposure. Continuous non-invasive monitoring of perfusion index and blood pressure will be performed throughout the baseline of 27°C (80°F) and cool challenge 18°C (64.4°F) phases to evaluate their relationship.
Able-bodied participants will undergo a controlled, non-invasive cool thermal challenge of 18°C (64.4°F) in a climate-controlled chamber for up to 90 minutes. Participants will remain seated in a wheelchair that will be provided while wearing a standard T-shirt and shorts to ensure uniform skin exposure. Continuous non-invasive monitoring of perfusion index and blood pressure will be performed throughout the baseline of 27°C (80°F) and cool challenge 18°C (64.4°F) phases to evaluate their relationship.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07699094