An innovative study that may significantly reduce the impact of serious spinal cord injuries will soon be running as a research project at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Conducted by researchers from the Kolling Institute’s John Walsh Centre for rehabilitation research, the project will assess whether a specific breathing technique can improve many of the challenges faced by people with a spinal cord injury.
This includes ongoing challenges with chronic pain, life threatening unstable blood pressure, fatigue and poor mood.
Study lead Professor of Rehabilitation Studies at the University of Sydney and the Kolling Institute Ashley Craig is looking forward to the unique project that aims to help more the 300 adults suffering a spinal cord injury in NSW every year.
“Our approach will involve a specific type of breathing to regulate heart function to a point where it influences neural function and the autonomic nervous system,” said Professor Craig.
“The hope is this will in turn deliver wide ranging benefits for the brain, the gut, the heart, sleep and a host of other physical functions.”
Participants will be allocated into two groups where one group will continue with their usual care while the other group undergoes a 10-week specialised program that involves guided breathing practice using computer feedback of heart rate function, and psychological strategies like mindfulness and visualisation techniques.
Researchers are now recruiting for the study, which has been made possible by $3 million in combined funding from the NSW Ministry of Health and the University of Sydney.
Participants must be over 18 years and have had a spinal cord injury for more than 12 months.
For more information or to get involved, email smart.trial@sydney.edu.au or call 0420 378 157.