FES-Rowing Versus Zoledronic Acid to Improve Bone Health in SCI: A Comparative Clinical Trial

This research study was designed to determine the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing and a drug called zoledronic acid in bone health in individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). The investigators hoped to learn if zoledronic acid treatment would increase bone mineral density in persons with chronic spinal cord injury. This was designed and conducted as a three center study with multiple investigators. The investigators also had a goal to find out if zoledronic acid is safe for persons with SCI without causing too many side effects.

The Prime recipient of funding is Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH). Dr. Leslie Morse is the Principal Investigator for the study, the coordination of the study was located at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Through a sub-award a research group from the Veterans Administration of Boston Healthcare System was contracted to conduct DXA scans, blood draws and zoledronic acid administration to support this study. Through another sub-award from SRH, another Investigator from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) participated conducting CT scans for the study. All adverse events related to this study were to be monitored and recorded by investigators at SRH.

Seventy subjects age 18 years or older and wheelchair dependent at least 50% of the time because of an SCI were enrolled. Enrollment and initial screening for the study and follow up was performed at SRH. After enrollment the subjects were randomized to 1) FES-rowing alone or 2) FES-rowing plus a 1-time infusion of zoledronic acid. Following a variable period of strength training which was necessary for preparing quads and hamstrings for extended FES use, enrolled participants were planned to begin a regular rowing program for 12 months at the Cardiovascular Laboratory at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital . DXA scans to measure bone mineral density were planned to be performed at the VA Boston Healthcare System-Jamaica Plain Campus (VABHS) three times during the study on all participants. In addition, 25 subjects in each arm of the study were planned to receive CT scans of their knees at MGH at the beginning and end of the study. Up to 20 subjects were to have an additional CT scan (at MGH) six months into rowing. Research blood samples were planned to be collected at VABHS five times during duration of the study and stored at the VA for further study of molecular markers of bone turnover. All participants were expected to be screened for renal function and calcium and vitamin D levels at the beginning and end of the study, with additional renal screening done before and after the zoledronic acid infusion. Calcium and vitamin D supplements were to be provided to each subject throughout the study. Those with insufficient vitamin D levels were to be provided additional repletion and planned to be periodically rechecked. Up to 15 male subjects were asked to have two echocardiograms at one of the SRH sites - one at the beginning of the study and the other halfway through the year-long rowing regimen.