Design and feasibility testing of a Graded Motor Imagery application to manage neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury

About the Project

The main aims of this project are to develop and pilot test a novel approach to assist in the management of neuropathic pain in the lower limbs in patients with paraplegia following spinal cord injury (SCI). We will modify an intervention (Graded Motor Imagery) which is effective for other neuropathic pain states (such as stroke) to make it suitable for people with SCI.

The project consists of three stages:

·         Stage 1: left/right discrimination training for the lower limbs

·         Stage 2: explicit motor imagery for the lower limbs

·         Stage 3: simulated walking in virtual reality

Project significance and expected outcome:

This project is significant as neuropathic pain is prevalent following SCI, is identified by patients as one of the most significant complications of SCI and is refractory to current interventions, which are predominantly pharmacological. The project will result in a novel and operational intervention for SCI-related neuropathic lower limb pain, and pilot data on efficacy and patient experiences. Furthermore, the project will create a novel collaboration between clinicians, researchers and designers from the domains of SCI, persistent pain and immersive design.

This pilot project will hopefully provide much needed pilot data to apply for larger grants in this area.

Project Status:

The project received ethics approval in December 2020 and has just commenced and is focused on data collection and analysis. The project time-frame is 12 months.

Project Funding:

This project is funded by a Hopkins Centre Seed Grant and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC).

The project is proudly supported by Griffith University and the Division of Rehabilitation at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service.

Research Team: 

Michel Coppieters, THC, Griffith University

Karleigh Kwapil, Division of Rehabilitation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service 

Carey Bayliss, Division of Rehabilitation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service 

Daniel Harvie, THC, Griffith University 

Soo Oh, Division of Rehabilitation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service 

Dinesh Palipana, THC, Griffith University