# Does Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing Improve Functional Outcomes in SCI?

> **NIH VA I01** · JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · —

## Abstract

This proposal aims to test the efficacy of a comprehensive approach to improving positive airway pressure
(PAP) therapy acceptance and adherence and sleep quality among patients with SCI/D. The proposed study is
very relevant to the mission of the VA in promoting optimal health for all Veterans, including those with
disabilities. To this end, this study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of a combined
sleep and PAP adherence program, called the “BEST” program (Best practices PAP + patient Education +
ongoing Support and Training), compared to a control program including non-directive sleep education plus
standard treatment of SDB. The central aim of this proposal therefore is to test the efficacy of the BEST
program in improving a number of patient outcomes, compared to a control program (sleep education plus
standard care for SDB). The study has two main aims. First, we aim to test the efficacy of the BEST program
in improving adherence to PAP therapy for the first 6 months of use (with data available for some subjects
for up to 12 months). Second, we will evaluate the impact of the program on sleep quality and on three key
areas of function: general functioning (using measures specific to SCI/D patients), respiratory functioning
(via spirometry) and quality of life (assessed with measures appropriate for use with patients having limited
mobility) over the 3-month intervention period. We hypothesize that the BEST program will result in higher
rates of adherence to PAP, better sleep quality, and better functioning in all three assessed domains (general,
respiratory and quality of life). We will also explore whether the intervention is more effective for some
subgroups of patients than others. The proposed work is very relevant to VA's patient care mission,
addressing a critical need for patients who suffer from disparity in access to high quality care because of
their disabilities. We anticipate that our work will yield significant new knowledge that improves the health and
quality of life for Veterans living with SCI/D.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9828499
- **Project number:** 5I01RX002116-04
- **Recipient organization:** JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** M.Safwan Badr
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-01-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9828499

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9828499, Does Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing Improve Functional Outcomes in SCI? (5I01RX002116-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9828499. Licensed CC0.

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