Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction can significantly affect quality of life in people with SCI, as it is associated with urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. PFM training is a common form of physical therapy that aims to strengthen these muscles through isolated voluntary contractions. Despite the success of PFM training in able-bodied people for improving urinary symptoms, this type of therapy is not readily prescribed to people with SCI, due to the difficulty of performing isolated PFM contractions. However, the PFM work together with other muscles, including abdominal, gluteal, and hip adductor muscles, during different exercises, such as walking.
Research also suggests that rhythmic arm activity, such as arm cycling, can modulate neural activity in the lower limb muscles. Whether it also influences the neural pathway that innervates the pelvic floor muscle is unknown. In this pilot study, we aim to investigate how rhythmic exercises, such as arm cycling and ski ergometery, affect PFM activity. Knowledge gained from this pilot program may be used to inform the design of tailored pelvic floor muscle therapy regimens for people with SCI in future research and practices.
Why should you participate?
It is possible that some participants may experience positive changes in their bladder function, but the extent and duration of any change is neither known nor guaranteed. By identifying rhythmic upper-body exercises that may naturally activate the pelvic floor muscles, this study will provide insight into alternative PFM training approaches for individuals who have difficulty performing conventional PFM training due to neurological injury.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are at least 19 years of age
- Have an non-progressive SCI that occurred at least 12 months ago
- Have an SCI that is at or above the L1 neurological level
- Are in a stable medical condition and have stable management of SCI secondary health concerns (e.g. spasticity, neuropathic pain)
- Have no other concurrent neurological injuries or diagnoses (e.g. stroke, cerebral palsy)
- Are able to speak and understand English
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Are currently pregnant, have been pregnant within the past 6 months, or are currently trying to become pregnant
- Have had urogenital surgery in the past 6 months
- Are currently experiencing menses
- Are currently experiencing an acute vaginal or urinary infection (e.g. urinary tract infection, yeast infection)
- Have a severe medical issue that in the investigator’s judgement would adversely affect the individual’s participation in the study (e.g. untreated pressure sore, musculoskeletal injury that would be worsened by study protocols, etc)
- Are unable to provide consent and/or understand instructions in English
Time commitment: This study involves one visit to our laboratory at ICORD and will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
Compensation for participation: The decision to participate is up to you. If you decide to participate, you will receive an honourarium.
This study will take place at: ICORD/Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver)
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact study coordinator Jiho Song by email or phone at (604) 675-8815.
