Actively Recruiting
Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Bowel Function in Spinal Cord Injury
Led by Craig Hospital · Updated on 2026-03-31
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Craig Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
Neuroscience Research Australia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The primary objective of this study is to gather information about the effectiveness of abdominal FES to improve bowel management time (BMT) for people with chronic SCI. This study will also evaluate whether abdominal FES can improve: 1) bowel-related quality of life, 2) participant-reported bowel function, 3) bowel management strategy, 4) bladder symptoms, and 5) unplanned hospital admissions. In addition, we will also explore participant perspectives and experiences about the stimulation sessions and use of the device.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Bowel Function in Spinal Cord Injury
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have a chronic spinal cord injury above the T11 level that occurred more than 12 months ago
- Be older than 18 years of age
- Have a measurable and consistent start and end event for the bowel routine, such as enema insertion, digital stimulation, hot drink initiation, abdominal massage, or other agreed events
- Possess a portable smart device with video capabilities and internet access
- Be willing to access and/or download Zoom videoconferencing software
You will not qualify if you...
- Have an American Spinal Injuries Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) E classification
- Self-report bowel management time less than 30 minutes
- Have current bowel conditions like gastro-esophageal reflux, bowel obstruction, Crohn's disease, or diverticulitis
- Have physical obstacles preventing abdominal FES, such as pregnancy, abdominal trauma, cardiac pacemaker, or other implanted electromedical devices
- Have a stoma or colostomy
- Show no response to abdominal FES due to lower motor neuron impairment
- Have a history of gastrointestinal surgery within the past 3 months
- Be severely obese with a body mass index greater than 40
- Primary language other than English
- History of uncontrolled, recurrent episodes of autonomic dysreflexia
- Resting systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Craig Hospital
Englewood, Colorado, United States, 80113
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Candy Tefertiller
CONTACT
B
Bria Mellick
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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