Here are some frequently asked questions about participating in research at the SCIPOWeR Lab. We hope this information is helpful as you consider joining one of our studies. Your participation is invaluable to us and to the entire spinal cord injury (SCI) community.

We understand that you may have questions about what it means to be a research participant. This page is designed to provide clear and concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Our goal is to ensure that you feel informed, comfortable, and respected throughout your involvement with our research.

We are committed to making your experience as a research participant a positive one. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to provide more information and discuss any concerns you may have.

Q: Is my data kept confidential?

A: Yes, absolutely. Protecting your privacy is our top priority. All our research studies are reviewed and approved by the University of Minnesota's Institutional Review Board (IRB), which ensures we follow strict ethical guidelines.

Here’s how we protect your information:

• De-identification: Your name and any other identifying information are removed from your data and replaced with a unique study ID number.
• Secure Storage: All digital data is stored on secure, password-protected university servers. Any physical documents are kept in locked filing cabinets in our lab.
• Aggregate Reporting: When we publish our findings, we only report on group averages and trends. No individual data is ever shared or identified.

Q: What is the time commitment?

A: The time commitment varies depending on the specific study you choose to join. Some studies may involve participating in a short online survey or a single 1-hour session, while others, like our intervention trials, might involve weekly sessions over several weeks.

Before you agree to participate in any study, we will provide you with a detailed consent form that clearly explains the full time commitment, including:

• The number of sessions or surveys.
• The length of each session.
• The total duration of the study.

You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have before making a decision.

Q: Will I be compensated for my time?

A: Yes, participants are typically compensated to thank them for their valuable time and contributions to our research. However, for some of our unfunded, investigator-initiated research, we are unable to compensate our participants. The amount and form of compensation depend on the specific study and the amount of time required. All details regarding compensation will be clearly outlined in the study's consent form.

Q: Where do the studies take place?

A: This depends entirely on the study's design. We strive to make participation as convenient as possible. Our studies may take place in one of several ways:

• Remotely: Many of our studies can be completed from the comfort of your own home using telephone calls, secure video conferencing (like Zoom), or online surveys.
• In-person: Some studies may require visits to our lab at the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.  or at a partner clinic in the area.

The specific location(s) for any study will be clearly communicated to you before you enroll, allowing you to choose studies that are convenient for you.