Using electrical stimulation to help bowel emptying after spinal cord injury
Official title: Electrical rectal stimulation to promote bowel emptying after spinal cord injury
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11078691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use gentle electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries have better bowel movements, making it easier for them to manage their bowel care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004529-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with spinal cord injuries who experience neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal cord injuries or those who do not experience bowel dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method of using electrical stimulation to improve bowel emptying in individuals with spinal cord injuries. After such injuries, many patients struggle with bowel function, leading to complications like constipation and incontinence. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a minimally invasive electrical stimulation technique that could replace traditional manual methods of bowel evacuation. By conducting experiments with human participants, the researchers hope to enhance bowel motility and reduce the time and assistance required for bowel care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve bowel function and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using electrical stimulation for bowel issues is being explored, this specific application in spinal cord injury patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bourbeau, Dennis — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bourbeau, Dennis
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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.