Understanding brain activity during bladder filling to improve overactive bladder diagnosis
Official title: Measurement of Neuroexcitation during Bladder Filling: A Novel Metric for Overactive Bladder Phenotyping
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10474965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of people with overactive bladder respond when their bladders fill up, using a special technology to see brain activity, so we can find better ways to understand and treat different types of this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $177,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DK128649-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10474965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urgency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience urinary urgency or have other unrelated bladder conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain responds during bladder filling in individuals with overactive bladder (OAB), a condition characterized by a strong urge to urinate. By using a novel, office-based neuroimaging technology called functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study aims to identify specific patterns of brain activation associated with OAB. Participants will undergo a hydration protocol while their brain activity is monitored, helping researchers to better understand the neurophysiological aspects of this condition. The goal is to develop improved methods for classifying different subtypes of OAB, which could lead to more personalized treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for individuals suffering from overactive bladder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neuroimaging techniques to study bladder function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klausner, Adam Philip — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Klausner, Adam Philip
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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.