Tibial nerve stimulation plus standing to improve pelvic floor and bladder function after spinal cord injury

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with chronic spinal cord injury and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction undergo baseline questionnaires and electrophysiological testing, then participate in a 12-week program combining assisted standing with tibial nerve stimulation. The study measures changes in pelvic floor reflex excitability, urogenital symptoms, and quality of life before and after the intervention. Investigators will also test how load and posture affect pelvic floor reflexes and whether the combined intervention is feasible and tolerable. Standard exclusions apply, such as implanted electronic devices, lower motor neuron injury, unstable spinal conditions, recent botulinum toxin injections, or contraindications to stimulation or exercise.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 19 years of age
* Have a SCI between C7 - T10 that occurred at least 12 months previously
* Have a motor-complete or incomplete SCI (AIS A, B, C, or D)
* Have symptoms of neurogenic LUT dysfunction
* Meet the manufacture requirements for standing frame use (will be evaluated by the research team)
* Are able to speak and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have changed their bladder management program in the past month
* Have received an injection of Botulinum toxin-A in any LUT structure in the past 2 weeks, or intend to receive an injection while participating in the trial
* Have a non-stable SCI (e.g. spinal tumor)
* Have signs of a lower motoneuron injury (e.g. cauda equina syndrome)
* Have other neurological injury besides SCI
* Have an implanted metallic or electronic device (e.g. pace maker, nerve stimulator)
* Have a condition for which exercise or transcutaneous stimulation is contraindicated
* Have a severe acute 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 acute urinary tract infections, pressure sores, musculoskeletal injury, or unmanage blood pressure.
* Are currently pregnant or have given birth within the past 12 months
* Use walking as your primary means of movement around your home and the community.

Where it's running

• Icord
  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yao Sun, PhD
• Email: lamlab@icord.org
• Phone: 604-675-8815

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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.