Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spinal Cord Injury
  4. Bladder Inhibition or Excitation by Electrical Perianal Stimulation in the Chronic SCI Cat

Bladder Inhibition or Excitation by Electrical Perianal Stimulation in the Chronic SCI Cat

BJU Int, 2009 · DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2008.08029.x · Published: February 1, 2009

Spinal Cord InjuryUrologyNeurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores how stimulating the skin around the anus with electricity can affect bladder function in cats with spinal cord injuries. The researchers found that using different frequencies of electrical stimulation could either calm down an overactive bladder or trigger it to contract. These findings suggest that a non-invasive treatment based on stimulating this area could help people with spinal cord injuries regain control of their bladder.

Study Duration
4-5 weeks
Participants
3 awake female chronic SCI cats
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Electrical perianal stimulation at frequencies between 3 Hz and 10 Hz significantly inhibited large amplitude reflex bladder activity.
  • 2
    Stimulation at frequencies between 20 Hz and 50 Hz induced large amplitude bladder contractions when bladder volume was below the micturition volume threshold.
  • 3
    Inhibitory stimulation (7 Hz) significantly increased bladder capacity 40±10% when it was applied continuously during cystometrograms (CMG).

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of perianal electrical stimulation on bladder function in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) cats. Frequency-dependent inhibitory or excitatory reflex bladder responses were observed, with low frequencies inhibiting bladder activity and higher frequencies inducing bladder contractions. The findings suggest that perianal electrical stimulation could be a non-invasive treatment to restore continence and micturition functions in SCI individuals.

Practical Implications

Potential Non-Invasive Treatment

Perianal electrical stimulation could be developed as a non-invasive treatment option for individuals with SCI to manage bladder dysfunction.

Frequency-Specific Therapy

Different frequencies of perianal stimulation can be used to either inhibit bladder overactivity or induce bladder contractions, providing a tailored approach to treatment.

Improved Bladder Management

The technique might offer an alternative clinical method to manage bladder function after SCI, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures or chronic catheterization.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Study conducted on cats, results may not directly translate to humans
  • 2
    EUS activity not investigated
  • 3
    Small sample size

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury