Current Research Studies

The effect of home-based exercise, using functional electrical stimulation bike, and healthy eating on body composition, markers of diabetes, and energy expenditure after spinal cord injury. 

Faculty

• David Gater, M.D.
• Eduard Tiozzo, Ph.D.

Test the validity and reliability of measures of pain threshold to light using the Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer (OPA) in healthy controls and in individuals with traumatic brain injury. 

Faculty

• Elizabeth Felix, Ph.D.
• Gemayaret Alvarez, M.D.

Assessment of peripheral and central nociceptive system mechanisms underlying photophobia (i.e., hyperalgesic response to light), utilizing quantitative sensory testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Faculty

• Elizabeth Felix, Ph.D.

Characterization of onset, interference, and intensity of pain sub-types and pain treatments used by persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) over the first year post-injury; and identification of predictive neurosensory characteristics and psychosocial factors for the later development of persistent neuropathic pain.

Faculty

• Elizabeth Felix, Ph.D.
• Kevin Dalal, M.D.
• David Gater, M.D.

TENS Trial to Prevent Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury

Assess the effectiveness of preemptive/early-intervention transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy to decrease the risk of developing chronic neuropathic pain, and to reduce the severity of neuropathic pain, following traumatic SCI.

Cardiometabolic Disease/Syndrome after Spinal Cord Injury

Multi-site study comparing objective clinical testing of five component risks for cardiometabolic syndrome and stakeholder knowledge of these risks based upon information provided by their health care providers.

Impact of Pain at Follow-up in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Multi-site cross-sectional survey study in persons with SCI to characterize the prevalence of different pain types, locations of pain, ratings of pain intensity and it’s interference with mood, sleep, and daily activities, and self-reported use and helpfulness of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain treatments.

Equity and Quality in Assistive Technology for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (EQuATe)

Multi-site study to collect descriptive data of assistive technology used by individuals with SCI, including wheelchair make, model, failures, and repairs; Explore the influence of individual characteristics, such as financial strain, educational quality, health literacy, geographic location, and self-efficacy on differences in assistive technology quality and other health related outcomes for individuals with SCI.

Characterizing the Experience of Spasticity after Spinal Cord Injury

Multi-site survey study of the characteristics of spasticity that have the greatest impact on activities of daily living and the perceived value of available management strategies. 

Faculty

• Elizabeth Felix, Ph.D.
• David Gater, M.D.
• Mark Nash, Ph.D.
• Kevin Dalal, M.D.

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between body composition, metabolism, and dietary needs in people with and without a spinal cord injury

Faculty

• David Gater, MD, Ph.D., MS
• Gary Farkas, PhD

To determine the effects of SCI on appetite and gut metabolism following 2 meals in adults with and without SCI.

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Farkas at gjf50@med.miami.edu

Faculty

• Dr. Gary J. Farkas
• Dr. Mark S. Nash