The goal of this clinical study is to determine the feasibility and explore the potential benefits of pelvic floor muscle training during inpatient SCI rehabilitation on urinary, bowel, and sexual function and quality of life in people with SCI. The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. What is the feasibility of recruiting inpatients from SCI rehabilitation to a pelvic floor muscle training program? 2. What is the feasibility and acceptance of the implementation of a pelvic floor muscle training program in SCI inpatient rehabilitation? 3. What are the potential effects of a pelvic floor muscle training program implemented in SCI inpatient rehabilitation on bladder, bowel, and sexual function and quality of life?
Participants will be asked to complete a series of assessments (questionnaires, physical assessments) before and after a 6-week intervention of pelvic floor physical therapy.
Are at least 19 years of age.
Have a traumatic or non-traumatic SCI
Are able to perform a voluntary anal contraction
Present with bladder or urinary tract dysfunction from SCI
Present with symptoms of lower motor neuron injury to the sacral segments (e.g. negative anal and bulbocavernosus reflexes)
Present with any other condition besides SCI that impacts the pelvic floor muscles or other pelvic structures
Are planning to receive intra-detrusor Botox injections in the next 3 months
Have a brain injury or other condition that interferes with their ability to follow instructions
University of British Columbia
Lead sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator