At-Home Genital Nerve Stimulation for SCI Bowel
This study tests the effect of genital nerve stimulation (GNS), with non-invasive electrodes, on the activity of the anus and rectum of persons after SCI.
The purpose of this study is to test whether electrical stimulation of the skin in the pelvic area (near the genitals) can reduce the reflexes that cause bowel accidents in people with spinal cord injuries. Current bowel treatments either involve diet and medications or surgery. This study will evaluate whether
electrical stimulation can be an alternate option for bowel management.
Researchers will use an FDA-approved Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device off-label, and will compare a target stimulation level to a placebo stimulation level.
Participants will use electrical stimulation on the skin in the pelvic area for 6-8 hours each day for four weeks at home. They will also visit the research center three times to participate in exams and answer questions, and they will keep a diary of their bowel symptoms and stimulation times.
Detailed study information is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05626816.
For More Information
Program Contact: Mayson Moore
Contact Number: (216) 957-3518
Contact Email: mmoore12@metrohealth.org
Contact Request
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