Arm-Crank SCI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Home-Based Arm-Crank Exercise Programme for People Living with Spinal Cord Injury
IRAS ID
360942
Contact name
Shin-Yi (Chloe) Chiou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research is about testing a home-based exercise programme designed to help people with spinal cord injury (SCI) stay healthy and reduce the risk of future health problems.
The programme uses Arm-Crank Exercise (ACE), where participants sit and use their arms to turn the handles of a stationary arm bike, similar to leg cycling but using your arms. Each session follows a routine and aims to improve fitness, mobility, and general wellbeing in people with SCI. This research will test whether an online ACE programme is practical to deliver, acceptable to participants, and potentially suitable for use in the NHS.
We will invite 50 people with long-term SCI who cannot walk unaided to take part. Participants will be recruited through NHS spinal clinics and charities. The 12-week programme will include three group sessions per week, delivered live via Zoom. Participants can also use recorded sessions if they prefer more flexibility.
We will monitor how many people take part, how many complete the programme, and how often they join sessions. Participants will track their effort using a heart rate monitor and report any fatigue or shoulder pain every two weeks. Any issues or side effects will be recorded.
At the end of the programme, participants will be invited to complete a short survey and join a group discussion about their experience and how the programme could be improved. Their feedback will help us plan a larger study in the future.
The results will be shared with the users and their families, healthcare professionals, and the wider public through social media, newsletters, websites, SCI charities, and health publications.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
26/WS/0045
Date of REC Opinion
5 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion