Spinal Injury
Massage Study
Exciting new manual therapy study for hand function for individuals with spinal injuries.
Criteria
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Do you have a spinal injury?
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Are you aged 18+?
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Do you have problems with hand function, dexterity, or grip in one or both hands?
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Can you pick up a pencil with one or both hands and move it from one place to another?
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Are you 6 months or more post-surgery?
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Can you commit to a weekly 12-week study?
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If you answered YES to these questions then you may be eligible to enter the study. Surgical intervention is not an essential criteria.
The Research
Does the Jing Methodâ„¢ improve dexterity and grip function in individuals with spinal injuries?
The Jing Methodâ„¢ is a fusion of evidence-based manual therapies that combine with the aim to reduce pain, improve range of movement and get clinical outcomes. The Research will aim to improve the dexterity and grip function of the hands.
The research project will be conducted over 12 weeks, which will involve weekly function testing, questionnaires, a period of hands-on therapy, and self-care advice between sessions. There will be one final session 4 weeks after the study finishes to gather feedback and retest for any changes or lasting results of the trial. This will be on week 16.
About the Researcher
Katerina Stojanovic is a candidate for the BTEC level 6 in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage. As part of her qualification, she is required to conduct a research project for her final year. She has been a massage therapist since 2018 and has studied Advanced Clinical Massage, Myofascial release, Pregnancy, Oncology and Hot stones.
She has a history in working with disabilities and complex needs in the healthcare system since 2013. She is trained in Health and Social Care Level three, first aid, and manual handling. She teaches wheelchair exercise classes, Boccia, and meditation.
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Katerina works at the Surrey massage clinic in Dorking, Surrey, and is a Clinical massage therapist at King's Lodge center for complex Care.
4 Phase program
Think you meet the criteria? Get in touch. A consultation will be done to check if you are eligible to join. You will need to be able to commit to 12 weeks on the same day of the week. In addition, once 4 weeks later.
The study is done in 4 phases which are outlined below. The type of study conducted is called a within-subject design, which means that everyone participating in the study will receive the same treatment. There is a phase prior to treatment where data will be collected to establish your baseline, eliminating the need to do a placebo group.
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All measures will be made to make this trial accessible, treatments can be given in the comfort of your own wheelchair, on a massage table provided, or on a massage chair. Locations will have ramp access and use of disabled toilet facilities.
PHASE 1.
Consultation
This is an initial 1-2-1 online on zoom session lasting around 20-30 minutes. This will include completing the consent form, providing basic contact details, and details consultation including health history, lifestyle information, hand mobility, and spinal injury-related questions.
PHASE 2.
6 week baseline
The first 6 weeks will be a controlled period with no massage, you will be required to attend and do weekly tests on Nine hole Peg tests and fill out a questionnaire to work out your baseline.
Week 1 is meeting in person with an additional grip test, week 2-6 will be done via zoom, these sessions will be around 20-30 minuites.
PHASE 3.
6 weeks intervention
Weeks 7 - 12 will be hands-on massage therapy. These appointments will be around 60mins - 75mins each and will involve hands-on massage along with testing and a questionnaire. There will be rehabilitation exercises given after each session. These will be emailed to you to be done between each session. These exercises will take no more than 5 minutes to complete 3 times a week.
PHASE 4.
4 week check in.
At week 16, 4 weeks after Phase 3, there is one final session to complete a Nine hole Peg Test, a dynamometer grip test, and a final questionnaire. This is to establish if there are any lasting effects or changes after Phase 3. I will ask that we have feedback and discuss what worked for you and what didn’t.
LOCATIONS
Royal
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Buckinghamshire
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Hospital
Buckingham Rd, Aylesbury HP19 9AB
King's Lodge
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Centre for
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Complex Care
Nutfield Park, South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 5PA
Third location
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TBC
Watch this space, a third location will be confirmed soon
DATES
Hands-on dates will be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, you will be allocated a day of the week depending on your location
NEW DATES ADDED
Phase 1
2022
Flexible times and
dates will be arranged
via Zoom
Phase 2
Week 1:
Meet in person
Week 2-6:
Online
Phase 3
6-week period.
Meet in person
Phase 4
One date 4 weeks after the end of Phase 3:
Meet in person
2023
FAQs
1.
What will happen to my data?
Your data will be kept confidential in line with GDPR. Your identity will remain anonymous. The information provided will be for the purpose of the study only.
2.
Do I need to get undressed for the treatment?
The first 6 weeks will be hand function tests and questionnaires only. The following 6 weeks will be hands-on manual therapy. For this, there will need to be in contact with the skin. This can either be done by undressing and draping with plenty of towels or can be done by wearing specific clothing that can give access to the neck, shoulder, chest, arm, and hand. Any concerns about this please get in touch.
3.
I need assistance with getting undressed do I need to bring a carer?
You are welcome to bring a carer with you to the appointment. Katerina is a trained health and social care worker and if you feel comfortable can assist with getting undressed and dressing. If you want to request this then a discussion will be had to make sure that your needs are met and that you are comfortable when you arrive.
4.
Can I bring someone with me?
You are welcome to bring a carer or chaperone, they can be present in the room during your sessions. We request that they allow you to talk for yourself and do not distract you from the study. If you require someone to help you communicate or to talk on your behalf then this can be discussed so long as the information is yours that is given freely and not the opinion of others.
5.
I'm away on holiday/have an appointment on one of those dates can I still participate?
The first 6 weeks is a controlled period of testing, using measuring tools for dexterity, grip, and a questionnaire. Week 1 one is mandatory to attend, weeks 2-6 in Phase 2 can be done online so long as you have access to an internet connection and zoom. Phase 3 set of 6 weeks are set hands-on dates and need to be attended in order to participate. The final meeting 4 weeks post Phase 3 must also be attended.
6.
Can I leave the study without consequences?
You may at any time withdraw from the project without notice or explanation. We do ask that when you sign up that you intend to complete the whole 4 phases, but understand circumstances change.
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Thank you
I'd like to give thanks to everyone who has helped me with my research, especially to the charities that have supported me along the way. As a token of my gratitude, I am not taking any personal funds for this research but taking donations to give to a spinal injury charity.