Intermittent Fasting for Inflammation and Depression in Spinal Cord Injury

What this study is about

Depression and chronic inflammation are common problems for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Inflammation has been shown to influence depression which may make it an important treatment target. Previous studies have shown that changes in diet and exercise can affect this pathway and improve symptoms of depression in SCI patients. However, following these interventions long-term can be difficult. Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that involves fasting for a certain period of time and then eating normally. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mood in able-bodied people, but its unknown if it can help people with depression and chronic inflammation, such as those with SCI. As intermittent fasting is a simple, easier to follow strategy than a diet it may be a more feasible long-term strategy. In addition, certain behavioural techniques such education, encouragement, and self monitoring may further help. This study aims to find out if intermittent fasting + support can be a helpful and simpler treatment for depression in SCI patients. In this study, 32 individuals with SCI who have depression will be invited to be randomly assigned to either try intermittent fasting + support or intermittent fasting alone. Both groups will fast for 16 hours per day for 8-weeks but only the supported group will receive behaviour techniques. Measurements will be taken prior to starting the interventions and after completing the interventions to assess for any changes in depression. Adherence, safety and inflammation will also be assessed. By the end of the study, the investigators hope that intermittent fasting can help safely reduce symptoms of depression and inflammation in people with SCI. The investigators also hope to find that additional behavior support further helps people adhere. This may provide a simple, easy to follow, and cost-free treatment for depression and inflammation in people with SCI.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Chronic (≥1 year post) SCI of any level or severity
• 18 years of age or older
• mild to moderate scores of depression based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) by clinical psychologist
• stable dose of depression medications

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• currently using anti-inflammatory medications
• variable dosages of depression / anxiety medications
• currently using anticoagulant medications
• people with diabetes
• women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant
• current wound/infection
• people with suicidal ideation
• history of eating disorder
• prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease

Where this trial is running

• Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

David J Allison, PhD. · 519 646 6100 · David.Allison@sjhc.london.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06807528.