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Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation With Bladder and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Spinal Cord Injuries
Registration Number
NCT05504200
Lead Sponsor
RNOH RIC
Brief Summary

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts signals between the brain and the rest of the body, this includes signals needed to control the bladder and bowels. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) (electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin over the spine) has shown potential to improve bladder function. Additionally pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), has been shown to help control bladder overactivity and reduce incontinence in people with a SCI.

This study will investigate PFMT with SCS, and its effects on restoring bladder function, and continence. We aim to recruit 25 participants. Those eligible will be patients from the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre with a supra-sacral SCI (\>6 months post-injury), aged 16 years old and above.

Detailed Description

The first five participants who volunteer will be invited to complete 'SCS optimisation'. Testing different SCS electrode positions and stimulation parameters with pelvic floor exercises and during urodynamics (measurement of pressure changes during filling and emptying of the bladder).

For the main study, all participants will complete baseline assessments (week 1) which include: bladder, bowel, sexual function, and quality of life questionnaires, a pelvic floor assessment, and urodynamics. Assessments will be repeated at week 8, and week 14.

After baseline assessments, participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive 8-weeks of at home PFMT, this will include 3 face-to-face visits, daily text reminders, and a weekly phone call. The control group will continue with usual care for 8-weeks.

At the end of the 8-weeks, all participants will be re-assessed, and will then complete a single session of SCS with urodynamics. Participants will return for their final assessment 6-weeks later (week 14). Participants allocated to the control group will be offered PFMT at the end of the study.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
15
Inclusion Criteria
  • Supra-sacral spinal cord injury over 6 months ago
  • Previous urodynamics and management by the Neuro-urology Consultants
  • Proven NDO from latest urodynamics
Exclusion Criteria
  • Participants under 16 years of age
  • Non-stable SCI or metastatic cord disease
  • Intra-detrusor botulinum toxin injections in previous 6 months
  • Bladder infection on day of investigation
  • Pregnant or trying for a baby (females)
  • Cardiac pacemaker, bladder stimulator or baclofen pump in situ
  • Metal work at thoraco-lumbar level of stimulation
  • Poorly controlled Autonomic Dysreflexia
  • Currently involved in a clinical trial
  • Previous surgical intervention on bladder/sphincters
  • Active sepsis
  • Poorly controlled epilepsy. Acceptable where epilepsy is controlled by drugs or there have been no fits experienced for a reasonable period
  • Patients with a cancerous tumour in the area of the electrical stimulation
  • Patients without the capacity to consent

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in maximum detrusor pressure during voiding (MDPvoid) from baseline to follow upWeek 1, 8 and 14

Voiding detrusor pressure measured from Cystometrogram/Urodynamic procedures (cmH20)

Change in maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) from baseline to follow upWeek 1, 8 and 14

Bladder capacity from Cystometrogram/Urodynamic procedures (ml)

Change in bladder voiding efficiency from baseline to follow upWeek 1, 8 and 14

Bladder voiding efficiency measured from Cystometrogram/Urodynamic procedures, \[\[volume voided/volume voided+post void residual)\*100\] (%)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pelvic Floor Oxford Grading ScoreWeek 1, 8 and 14

Measure of pelvic floor muscle strength, graded 0-5

Quality of Life Questionnaire EQ-5D-5LWeek 1, 8 and 14

Five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Scoring 1-5 on each dimension, and a VAS scale of overall health 0-100.

The Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS)Week 1, 8 and 14

Validated 24-item questionnaire, three domains: incontinence, storage and voiding, consequences (score 0-28)

Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX)Week 1, 8 and 14

Five-item rating scale measuring sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm (Score 3-30)

The Qualiveen QuestionnaireWeek 1, 8 and 14

30-item questionnaire, with health-related quality of life questions specific to individuals with neurogenic urinary dysfunction. Total score is mean of eight scores: bother with limitations, fears, feelings, and frequency of limitations.

Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (NBDS)Week 1, 8 and 14

Bowel dysfunction questionnaire, includes questions on bowel symptoms, medication, and incontinence (score 0-47)

Electromyography (EMG) of resting tone and maximum voluntary pelvic floor contractionWeek 1, 8 and 14

Use of vaginal/anal probe to capture resting tone and maximum voluntary pelvic floor contraction (mV)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

🇬🇧

Stanmore, United Kingdom

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
🇬🇧Stanmore, United Kingdom

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