Rehabilitation Program for Bladder Control in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Summary

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial (with both participants and outcome assessors blinded to group assignments) was carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, following patient referrals. Participants were recruited between October 2024 and April 2025 from the National Institute of Urology and Nephrology in Mataria, as well as the Department of Urology and Nephrology at Kasr Alaini Hospital. All diagnoses were verified by a consultant urologist. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University, Egypt, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to enrollment.

Participants Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age presenting with OAB symptoms, confirmed through urodynamic testing, and diagnosed with ISCI classified as AIS C or D above the L1 spinal level, were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. Participants were required to be medically stable, able to follow study protocols, and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria included those with complete spinal cord injury (AIS A), current urinary tract infections, a history of pelvic malignancy, prior bladder or pelvic surgeries, or significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders.

Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury

Interventions

OTHER

1. IFC

IFC therapy was applied while the patient lay in a supine position with the knees slightly apart. Each treatment session involved four electrodes enclosed in lint cloth covers. Two electrodes were positioned bilaterally on the lower abdomen, just below the anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS), while the remaining two were placed on the inner surfaces of both thighs. To maintain hygienic standards, the cloth covers were replaced for each participant at every session. The intervention was administered three times weekly over an eight-week period. A frequency range of 0-10 Hz was used, and the current intensity was carefully adjusted based on each patient's comfort and tolerance. Each IFC session lasted 15 minutes, with the aim of modulating pelvic region activity to support improved bladder function. This protocol was implemented three times per week over an eight-week period

OTHER

2. Timed voiding.

The approach involved instructing participants to follow a fixed, scheduled voiding routine, typically every 3 hours, irrespective of the sensation to urinate. Additionally, patients were advised to adjust their toileting posture by sitting and leaning forward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, allowing adequate time for complete bladder emptying. The technique also included practicing double voiding, where the individual would stand up and sit down again after the initial void to help ensure maximum bladder evacuation

OTHER

motor imagery training

Prior to initiating MIT, participants watched a 10-minute instructional video in a quiet treatment space, illustrating proper PFM contractions through both visual and auditory cues. The therapist provided a detailed explanation, using a simple analogy of the bladder as a balloon filled with urine, connected by a tube (the urethra) to the outside, and controlled by the PFM. It was explained that contracting these muscles tightens the balloon, holding back urine, whereas weak or relaxed muscles may lead to leakage. Patients were then guided to mentally visualize contracting and holding these muscles until they reached a suitable time and place (the toilet), without physically performing the action. Following this explanation, patients were asked to sit comfortably with their eyes closed and spend 10 minutes visualizing the movement and control of their PFM while remaining physically relaxed. Throughout the session, the therapist used open-ended prompts to help maintain the patient's focu

OTHER

pelvic floor muscles training

Before beginning each treatment session, participants were instructed to empty their bladders to promote comfort and relaxation during the exercises. All patients were taught a structured PFMT routine, to be performed daily in multiple positions such as lying, sitting, and standing. The program consisted of contracting the PFM for 10 seconds, followed by a 10-second relaxation period, with this sequence repeated 15 times in each session. To gradually enhance the endurance of the slow-twitch muscle fibers, both contraction and relaxation times were increased by one second each week. In addition, to activate and strengthen the fast-twitch muscle fibers, patients were directed to perform 20 quick, repetitive contractions and relaxations of the levator ani muscles - simulating the act of stopping urine flow, followed by a 10-second rest. This rapid contraction sequence was repeated for 2 to 4 sets in each session. This protocol was implemented three times per week over an eight-week period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-01

Primary Completion

2025-04-16

Completion

2025-04-16

Countries

• Egypt

Study Locations