Increasing bladder capacity by foot stimulation in rats with spinal cord injuries

BMC Urology, 2017 · DOI: 10.1186/s12894-017-0277-4 · Published: September 5, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether stimulating the foot can increase bladder capacity in rats with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injuries. The goal was to explore a non-invasive method to manage bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury. The experiment involved applying electrical stimulation to the hind feet of rats with spinal cord injuries and measuring changes in bladder capacity. Control groups received no stimulation for comparison. The study found that foot stimulation, particularly at higher intensities, significantly increased bladder capacity in the rats with spinal cord injuries, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for managing neurogenic bladder.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

40 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Animal study

Key Findings

1
Foot stimulation with 2 T significantly increased the BC an additional 68.9% ± 20.82% (p < 0.05).
2
Foot stimulation with 4 T increased the BC an additional 120.9% ± 24.82% (p < 0.05).
3
Compared with the control group, BC in the 4th (2 T) and 5th (4 T) CMGs were significantly increased (p < 0.05).

Research Summary

The study explored the effect of foot stimulation on bladder capacity in rats with spinal cord injuries. Electrical stimulation was applied to the hind feet of rats, and bladder capacity was measured using cystometrograms. Results showed that foot stimulation, especially at higher intensities (2 T and 4 T), significantly increased bladder capacity compared to the control group. The 1 T stimulation did not show significant difference. The findings suggest that electrical stimulation of the foot may be an effective treatment for neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury by inhibiting reflex bladder activity and increasing bladder capacity.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapy for Neurogenic Bladder

Foot stimulation may offer a non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing neurogenic bladder in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Alternative to Medication

Somatic nerve stimulation may serve as a complement to medication, reducing reliance on drugs with potential side effects.

Further Research Needed

Further studies are warranted to determine optimal stimulation parameters and assess the long-term efficacy and safety of foot stimulation in human patients with neurogenic bladder.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats with induced spinal cord injuries, and results may not directly translate to human patients.
2
The mechanism underlying foot stimulation's effect on bladder capacity is not fully understood.
3
High stimulation intensity induced strong foot twitching, which may cause discomfort in human patients. Low intensity combined with low-dose drug will need further investigation.

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