This study looks at a device that uses light to determine the fitness of muscles in the body, specifically the researchers want to look at the pelvic floor muscles that help with bladder control.
This study will measure the difference in the amount of oxygen delivered to the pelvic floor muscle fibres using NIRS. The study will look at whether exercise makes any difference in the amount of oxygen in muscle fibres of the pelvic floor by comparing women who are continent (do not have a problem with bladder control and do not have neurogenic disease) with incontinent women (do have problems with bladder control and have neurogenic disease).
Why should you participate in this study?
We hope that the information learned from this study can be used in the future to benefit other women with urinary incontinence who have neurological disease. It is hoped that the pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises may benefit some participants with their bladder control.
How the pelvic floor muscle strength has changed after completion of the exercise program will be shared at your final visit.
Note: Choosing to interact with this post/page will publicly identify you with this study.
You may be eligible to participate in the study as part of the Control Group if you:
- meet all study requirements as determined by your study doctor and,
- are 19 years of age or older.
- do not have symptoms of urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- do not have a history of neurogenic disease (for example a spinal cord injury)
You may be eligible to participate in the study as part of the Study Group if you:
- are 19 years of age or older
- have symptoms of urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- have a history of neurogenic disease (for example a spinal cord injury) for at least 1 year
You may be ineligible to participate in the study if you:
- are a woman who has had pelvic radiotherapy
- are pregnant (or plan to start a pregnancy soon)
- have pelvic pain symptoms
- are a woman with indwelling catheters
The study doctor or staff will discuss these and any other reasons why you may not be allowed to enter the study.
Time commitment: The total time commitment over the 8 weeks is roughly 5 hours and the clinic and your daily exercises will take 15 minutes.
- Screening visit (2 hours)
- 4 week visit (1 hour)
This study will take place at ICORD/Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver).
Compensation for participation: An honorarium will be granted to you to account for your time and involvement in the study. This will be in the form of a gift card and will be granted upon completion of your involvement. Parking will be available at no cost when you come to the clinic.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator Kennedy Cresswell
by email at bladder.research@ubc.ca or phone at (604) 675-8881.
