Understanding bowel issues after spinal cord injury

Pathophysiological remodeling of the enteric neuromuscular compartment in experimental spinal cord injury

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10574616

This study is looking into the bowel issues that people with spinal cord injuries often face, aiming to understand how the nerves and muscles in the gut are affected, so we can find better ways to help improve bowel function and make life easier for those patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10574616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the bowel problems that often occur after spinal cord injuries, focusing on how the enteric nervous system, which controls gut function, is affected. It aims to understand the changes in the gut's nerve and muscle cells that lead to issues like constipation and irregular bowel movements. By studying these changes, the research seeks to identify potential treatments that could improve bowel function and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are suffering from bowel dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients without spinal cord injuries or those who do not experience bowel issues related to their condition may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and treatment options for bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding and treating bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.