Electrical Stimulation of Abdominal Muscles for Bowel Management in People With Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This is a clinical trial enrolling individuals with spinal cord injuries to study the effect on bowel function of electrical stimulation (FES) to the abdomen (belly). FES) applies electrical current through the skin to nerves; this can cause contractions of weakened or paralyzed muscles. Earlier studies suggest abdominal FES may decrease constipation, overall bowel management time, and discomfort. If selected for the trial, participants will receive either FES or sham FES (low-level inactive stimulation) to abdominal muscles over a period of 12 weeks. No one (participant, doctor, or assessor) will know which stimulation (FES or sham FES) the participant is receiving. The FES group will be compared to the sham group (controls) to measure changes in bowel speed and function. Participants will also be asked to keep a bowel diary and to complete questionnaires about quality of life and bowel management.