Exploring the Feasibility and Benefits of Implementing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation for People With Spinal Cord Injury

Exploring the Feasibility and Benefits of Implementing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation for People With Spinal Cord Injury

The goal of this clinical study is to determine the feasibility and explore the potential benefits of pelvic floor muscle training during inpatient SCI rehabilitation on urinary, bowel, and sexual function and quality of life in people with SCI. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. What is the feasibility of recruiting inpatients from SCI rehabilitation to a pelvic floor muscle training program?
2. What is the feasibility and acceptance of the implementation of a pelvic floor muscle training program in SCI inpatient rehabilitation?
3. What are the potential effects of a pelvic floor muscle training program implemented in SCI inpatient rehabilitation on bladder, bowel, and sexual function and quality of life?

Participants will be asked to complete a series of assessments (questionnaires, physical assessments) before and after a 6-week intervention of pelvic floor physical therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Are at least 19 years of age.
2. Have a traumatic or non-traumatic SCI
3. Are able to perform a voluntary anal contraction
4. Present with bladder or urinary tract dysfunction from SCI
5. Are a current inpatient at GF Strong Rehabilitation Center and are expected to remain as an inpatient for at least 6 weeks after the time of consent.
6. Are able to speak and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Present with symptoms of lower motor neuron injury to the sacral segments (e.g. negative anal and bulbocavernosus reflexes)
2. Present with any other condition besides SCI that impacts the pelvic floor muscles or other pelvic structures
3. Are planning to receive intra-detrusor Botox injections in the next 3 months
4. Have a brain injury or other condition that interferes with their ability to follow instructions
5. Are using a ventilator
6. Have severe and unmanaged spasticity (involuntary muscle tightness or spasms) or contractures (prolonged muscle/joint stiffness)
7. Are unable to tolerate transfers to or lie on a physical therapy table
8. Experience severe pain that interferes with their ability to participate in pelvic floor muscle training