Improving pelvic floor muscle function to treat urinary incontinence
Official title: Neuromodulation of Individual Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Urinary Incontinence
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10475068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help women with urinary incontinence by using special wireless devices to gently stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, aiming to improve bladder control and restore normal muscle activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $496,228 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120307-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10475068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing urinary incontinence, particularly those with weakened pelvic floor muscles due to aging or childbirth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have urinary incontinence or those with other unrelated pelvic floor disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore normal activity in pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for controlling urinary function. By using advanced wireless electrodes to selectively stimulate individual nerves in these muscles, the study aims to reverse the symptoms of urinary incontinence, a condition affecting many women. The approach is based on a rabbit model that mimics human urinary incontinence, allowing researchers to observe the effects of targeted neuromodulation on muscle activity patterns. The ultimate goal is to develop a new treatment that enhances muscle strength and coordination, improving bladder control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for women suffering from urinary incontinence, potentially restoring their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in neuromodulation techniques for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akay, Metin — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Akay, Metin
Related research
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Exercise plus bladder training to prevent falls in older women with urine leaks
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.