Effects of Sacral and Tibial Stimulation on Bladder Function in Subacute Suprasacral Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
Bladder health/function
Online since 1 April 2026, updated 9 days ago

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 45 participants with early (<6 months) spinal cord injury to test the effect of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation on bladder function. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation, or standard care without stimulation. Final testing of bladder function will be performed after 2 months.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
18 - 65 years
Injury level
C1 - T11
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • Time since injury
    ≤ 6 months
  • Injury type
  • Traumatic

    Non-traumatic

    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C1-T11
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT have a cardiac pacemaker

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to receive transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation, or standard care without stimulation. - Transcutaneous nerve stimulation is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Stimulation will be delivered during repeated 30-minute sessions over the intervention period. - Final testing of bladder function will be performed after 2 months.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    Bladder health/function

    Additional benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Bowel health

    General health

    Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more


    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 5 Aug 2025
    • Organisation
    • Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 5 Aug 2025
    • Organisation
    • Ankara City Hospital Bilkent

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more