Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 19 and up

Pelvic floor muscle training for bladder, bowel, and sexual function in spinal cord injury patients

Official title: Exploring the Feasibility and Urogenital Benefits of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Individuals With Motor-incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Run by University of British Columbia · NCT06705790 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a pelvic floor muscle training program can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their bladder, bowel, and sexual function.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2026
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2028
Study endsMarch 31, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT06705790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older with non-progressive, motor-incomplete spinal cord injuries at or above the T12 level, experiencing related dysfunction.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are currently pregnant, have had recent urogenital surgery, or have severe medical issues 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 trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a pelvic floor muscle training program for individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. Participants will engage in a 3-month training program, during which researchers will assess recruitment rates, adherence, and the program's impact on bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The study will involve a series of tests at the beginning, middle, and end of the program to gather data on its effectiveness and participant experiences.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve bladder, bowel, and sexual health for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have gone: While pelvic floor muscle training has been explored in other contexts, this specific application for spinal cord injury is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Are at least 19 years of age.
* Have a non-progressive, motor-incomplete spinal cord injury that is at or above the T12 neurological level at least 12 months ago.
* Have symptoms of bladder, bowel, and/or sexual dysfunction that are caused by your spinal cord injury.
* Have stable management of spinal cord related secondary health concerns (e.g., spasticity, neuropathic pain).
* Are able to speak and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are currently pregnant, have been pregnant within the past 6 months, or are planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months.
* Have had urogenital surgery within the past 12 months.
* Have received Botox bladder injections within the past 4 weeks, or anticipate receiving an injection in the next 6 months.
* Have presence of severe medical issue that in the investigator's judgement would adversely affect the participant's participation in the study. Examples include, but are not limited to pressure sores, cardiovascular disease, and unmanaged diabetes.
* Have any permanent metal fixtures in their head (excluding dental fillings), or pacemakers, stimulators, or implanted medication pumps.
* Have a history of seizures, are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold, or experience recurring headaches.
* Have a condition for which exercise is contraindicated.

Where it's running

  • Blusson Spinal Cord Centre
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Tania Lam, PhD, PT — University of British Columbia, ICORD
  • Study coordinator: Alison Williams
  • Email: alison.williams@ubc.ca
  • Phone: 604-675-8815

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.