Overview
The goal of this trial is to learn about the feasibility and benefits of delivering a pelvic floor muscle training program to people with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- To evaluate the feasibility of delivering a pelvic floor muscle training program to people with spinal cord injury. The investigators will examine recruitment rate, compliance and adherence to the intervention and other study protocols, adverse events, and participant perspectives of the study protocols.
- To explore the potential effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Participants will be asked to complete a pelvic floor muscle training program for 3 months. At the beginning, middle, and end of the program, researchers will conduct a series of tests to determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of this program.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Are at least 19 years of age.
- Have a non-progressive, motor-incomplete spinal cord injury that is at or above the T12 neurological level at least 12 months ago.
- Have symptoms of bladder, bowel, and/or sexual dysfunction that are caused by your spinal cord injury.
- Have stable management of spinal cord related secondary health concerns (e.g., spasticity, neuropathic pain).
- Are able to speak and understand English.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Are currently pregnant, have been pregnant within the past 6 months, or are planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months.
- Have had urogenital surgery within the past 12 months.
- Have received Botox bladder injections within the past 4 weeks, or anticipate receiving an injection in the next 6 months.
- Have presence of severe medical issue that in the investigator's judgement would adversely affect the participant's participation in the study. Examples include, but are not limited to pressure sores, cardiovascular disease, and unmanaged diabetes.
- Have any permanent metal fixtures in their head (excluding dental fillings), or pacemakers, stimulators, or implanted medication pumps.
- Have a history of seizures, are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold, or experience recurring headaches.
- Have a condition for which exercise is contraindicated.