Telenutrition for Obesity in Spinal Cord Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether nutrition counseling via FaceTime on an iPad can assist people with spinal cord injuries who are overweight or have obesity. The goal is to improve eating habits, potentially reducing the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity-related issues. Participants will begin nutrition counseling either immediately or after a three-month wait. This trial suits individuals who have had a spinal cord injury for at least a year, primarily use a wheelchair, and reside in California. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance health and well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have a medical condition requiring a strict specialized diet or if your HbA1c is greater than 7%, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that telenutrition is safe for individuals with spinal cord injury?
Research has shown that telenutrition, which involves receiving nutrition advice through video calls, is generally safe and manageable. Studies have found that this type of counseling can help people with spinal cord injuries make healthier food choices. In one study, 9 out of 10 participants reported improved eating habits after three months of telenutrition.
Importantly, these studies have not reported any major safety issues. This is because the focus is on dietary changes and advice, rather than medication, which typically carries more risks. Overall, telenutrition appears to be a safe way to help people with spinal cord injuries lead healthier lives.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about telenutrition for obesity in individuals with spinal cord injury because it leverages technology to deliver personalized nutrition counseling remotely. Unlike traditional in-person dietary consultations, telenutrition offers flexibility and accessibility, which is crucial for individuals who may have mobility challenges. It allows patients to receive consistent support and guidance without the need for frequent travel to clinics, potentially enhancing adherence to nutritional recommendations and improving outcomes.
What evidence suggests that telenutrition is effective for obesity in spinal cord injury?
Studies have shown that receiving nutrition advice through video calls, known as telenutrition, can benefit people with spinal cord injuries who are overweight or obese. One study found that 9 out of 10 participants made healthier food choices after three months of telenutrition counseling. This trial will evaluate two approaches: an immediate treatment group receiving three months of telenutrition followed by a three-month durability phase, and a delayed treatment group with a three-month waitlist period followed by three months of treatment. This method can improve diet quality and aid in weight management. It may also reduce risks like high cholesterol or diabetes. Overall, telenutrition appears to be a promising way to support better eating habits and health outcomes in this group.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kazuko Shem, MD
Principal Investigator
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 20 with traumatic spinal cord injury who are overweight, primarily use a wheelchair, and are at least one year post-injury. Participants must live in California, be able to use an iPad, attend three in-person visits at SCVMC, and speak English or Spanish. Those on specialized diets for medical conditions or involved in other diet programs recently cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive telenutrition counseling via FaceTime on an iPad, consisting of 6 sessions scheduled approximately 2 weeks apart
Durability Phase
Participants in the immediate treatment group are monitored for the durability of treatment effects
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Telenutrition
Telenutrition is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Spinal Cord Injury-related obesity
- Cardiometabolic Syndrome
- Metabolic Syndrome
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator
San Jose State University
Collaborator