Research Excellence Designation
SCOLI is proudly designated as a TRACK-SCI Investigator Group, joining an elite network of institutions advancing spinal cord injury research and treatment through standardized data collection, cutting-edge biomarker research, and evidence-based clinical protocols.
About TRACK-SCI
TRACK-SCI (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Spinal Cord Injury) is a groundbreaking multicenter, prospective observational study that represents the largest coordinated effort to standardize spinal cord injury data collection and treatment protocols.
Multicenter Research Initiative
Led by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Brain and Spinal Injury Center, this Department of Defense-funded initiative brings together leading institutions to advance spinal cord injury research.
Standardized Care Excellence
We utilize the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Common Data Elements, ensuring the highest standards of clinical documentation, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes measurement.
Benefits for Our Patients
Our TRACK-SCI designation directly benefits patients through evidence-based care protocols and access to cutting-edge research opportunities.
Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols
Patients receive care based on the latest research findings, including optimized blood pressure management, surgical timing protocols, and spinal perfusion pressure monitoring that have been proven to improve neurological recovery outcomes.
Comprehensive Data Collection
Our standardized approach to data collection includes detailed neurological assessments using the International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), advanced imaging protocols, and systematic follow-up care that ensures nothing is overlooked.
Access to Cutting-Edge Research
Eligible patients may have opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research studies that are developing the next generation of spinal cord injury treatments, from biomarker-guided therapies to novel surgical techniques.
Research Excellence
Our TRACK-SCI investigator group designation demonstrates SCOLI’s commitment to advancing spinal cord injury care through rigorous research, standardized protocols, and collaborative innovation. This designation ensures our patients receive care that is informed by the latest scientific evidence and contributes to improving outcomes for future spinal cord injury patients worldwide.
Advancing the Field
Through our participation in TRACK-SCI, SCOLI contributes to the development of evidence-based standards of care, novel biomarkers, and improved treatment protocols that are transforming spinal cord injury medicine. Our patients benefit from care that is continuously refined by ongoing research and clinical discoveries.
TRACK-SCI Impact
Our participation in TRACK-SCI brings measurable benefits and research excellence to spinal cord injury care:
- 2013 - Program Founded
- Multiple - Research Sites
- DOD - Funded Initiative
- NINDS - CDE Standards
For questions about TRACK-SCI research participation or clinical care protocols, please contact our site coordinator Dr. Ayesha Akbar Waheed at waheedaa2@upmc.edu.
- Research: Ask about participation opportunities
- Clinical Care: Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Follow-up: Standardized outcome assessments
- Innovation: Access to latest research developments
Mission
To advance spinal cord injury research and treatment through standardized data collection, cutting-edge biomarker research, and evidence-based clinical protocols as part of the TRACK-SCI multicenter research initiative.
Primary Research Areas
Blood Pressure Management
Optimizing hemodynamic protocols for improved spinal cord injury recovery outcomes
MRI-Based Biomarkers
Advanced imaging techniques for injury assessment and prognosis prediction
Surgical Timing Protocols
Evidence-based protocols for optimal decompression and stabilization timing
Blood Biomarkers
Gene expression analysis for injury severity prediction and recovery potential assessment
Spinal Perfusion Monitoring
Monitoring and optimization of spinal cord blood flow during critical care phases
Standardized Data Collection
NINDS Common Data Elements implementation for comprehensive outcome measurement
Research Methodology
Our TRACK-SCI research utilizes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Common Data Elements, ensuring the highest standards of clinical documentation, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes measurement. We employ standardized neurological assessments using the International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), advanced imaging protocols, and systematic follow-up care. Our multicenter approach enables large-scale data collection and validation of treatment protocols across diverse patient populations. We collaborate with leading institutions including UCSF, Ohio State University, and the University of Washington to advance spinal cord injury research through coordinated efforts.
Current Initiatives
Blood-Based Biomarker Development
Ongoing Cutting-edge research in blood-based biomarkers that can predict injury severity and recovery potential, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment during the critical acute care phase.
Evidence-Based Care Protocols
Active Implementation Implementation of optimized blood pressure management, surgical timing protocols, and spinal perfusion pressure monitoring that have been proven to improve neurological recovery outcomes.
Multicenter Data Standardization
Continuous Collaborative effort to standardize spinal cord injury data collection and treatment protocols across multiple leading institutions to accelerate research translation.
