Genital nerve stimulation for bowel issues in spinal cord injury patients
Official title: Short-term Genital Nerve Stimulation to Modulate Anorectal Reflex Activity in Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injury
Run by MetroHealth Medical Center · NCT05626816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if genital nerve stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries who struggle with bowel control and fecal incontinence.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | MetroHealth Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 21, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05626816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with traumatic spinal cord injuries at or above the T12 level, who are at least six months post-injury and can respond to genital nerve stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently enrolled in other electrical stimulation trials or those with certain medical complications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of genital nerve stimulation (GNS) on fecal incontinence in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Participants will undergo a screening visit to assess their response to GNS, followed by a series of assessments including anorectal manometry to evaluate bowel function. The study aims to collect comprehensive data on bowel-related issues and the potential effectiveness of GNS in reducing fecal incontinence. The research is designed to identify which patients may benefit from this intervention and how it may improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce fecal incontinence and improve the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genital nerve stimulation is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in addressing bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Traumatic SCI * Minimum 6 months post-injury * Aged 18 years or older * Neurological level of injury T12 or higher AIS grade A-D defined by ISNCSCI * Response to genital nerve stimulation upon screening * Able to understand and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Currently enrolled in another functional electrical stimulation (FES) research trial * Females who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the trial * Presence of cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted FES device if, upon clinical exam, it may have an interaction with GNS. * In the judgement of the PI or Co-Investigators, presence of medical complications that may interfere with the execution of the study.
Where it's running
-
MetroHealth Medical System Old Brooklyn Campus
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kim Anderson, PhD — MetroHealth Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mayson Moore
- Email: MMoore12@metrohealth.org
- Phone: 2169573558
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Active vs. Passive Anal Sphincter Training in Fecal Incontinence
This home-based trial tests whether adding active sphincter contractions to electrical stimulation helps adults with fecal incontinence more than stimulation alone.
-
Beta-glucan cream added to standard skin care for IAD in hospitalized adults
This study tests whether adding a 0.5% beta-glucan moisturizing cream to usual skin care helps adults with incontinence-associated dermatitis heal faster and feel better.
-
R20 Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: Post‑Market Follow‑Up
This registry test checks how well the Axonics R20 rechargeable device works for adults with fecal incontinence after it’s on the market.
-
High-intensity electromagnetic stimulation for bowel control after J-pouch surgery
Aims to see if the Emsella chair can help people with a J pouch who have fecal incontinence after ulcerative colitis surgery.
-
Intra-rectal Botulinum Toxin Injection for Children with Non-Retentive Fecal Incontinence
This trial tests whether injecting botulinum toxin into the rectum can help children who have frequent non-retentive fecal incontinence that isn’t caused by constipation.
-
Investigating the effects of sacral neuromodulation on fecal incontinence and the external anal sphincter
This study is trying to see how a treatment called sacral neuromodulation can help people with fecal incontinence by looking at changes in the muscles around the anus.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.