The investigators are testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the rectum on colonic motility.

The investigators are testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the rectum on colonic motility.


Therefore, this study will compare the two methods. If electrical stimulation effectively improves colonic motility, then the investigator shall develop the approach as a therapeutic intervention in future studies.

About This Study

Compare changes in colonic pressure in response to electrical rectal stimulation versus mechanical rectal distension. Two interventions will be tested, including the clinical standard of digital rectal stimulation and a novel approach using electrical stimulation of rectal sensory afferents, to determine the effect on colonic pressure. Increased colonic pressure will indicate successful modulation of neural pathways to increase bowel activity and thereby facilitate defecation in individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

Study Information

Electrical stimulation of the rectum will be applied to activate sensory afferent neurons of the rectum and evoke a recto-colonic reflex to improve colonic motility. This intervention will be compared to participants’ usual mechanical intervention of the digital rectal stimulation. 

Detailed program information and criteria available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02641483?term=%22bourbeau%22+%22cleveland%22&rank=1



Narrative

Improving the Lives of People with SCI




Contact Request

Researchers rely on individuals to serve as volunteers for program studies. Each study is designed to answer questions about a specific medical aspect or the effectiveness of a particular treatment. Through the commitment of research volunteers, knowledge gained and communicated to other medical professionals ultimately benefits the community.

If you would like more information about becoming a research volunteer please submit the information below.

How did you hear about us?
Search Engine (Google, Yahoo, etc)Recommended by a friend or colleagueSocial MediaBlog or publicationOther