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

Abstract

BackgroundThis study was to explore the possibility that foot stimulation increased bladder capacity(BC) in rats with neurogenic bladder secondary to T10 spinal cord injuries.MethodsIn 20 awake rats (stimulation group) with T10 spinal cord injuries, 5 repeat cystometrograms (CMGs) were recorded. The 1st and 2nd CMGs were performed without stimulation. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th CMGs were done separately with 1 T, 2 T, and 4 T stimulation, respectively, through a pair of pad electrodes on the skin of the hind foot. In the control group of 20 rats, 5 repeat CMGs were recorded without foot stimulation. The threshold (T) was the minimal stimulation intensity to induce an observable toe twitch.ResultsIn the stimulation group, foot stimulation with 2 T significantly increased the BC an additional 68.9% ± 20.82% (p < 0.05). Foot stimulation with 4 T increased the BC an additional 120.9% ± 24.82% (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, BC in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (1 T) CMG had no significant difference in the stimulation group, but the 4th (2 T) and 5th (4 T) CMGs were significantly increased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsElectrical stimulation of the foot was effective in inhibiting reflex bladder activity and increasing bladder capacity in spinal cord injury rats.

Low-Frequency Intravesical Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Acute Urinary Retention: A Promising Therapeutic Approach

“…We used post-void intravesical pressure and voiding time to determine the voiding function ( 9 ), which were obviously deteriorated in AUR rats. Electrical stimulation relieved bladder hyperactivity, which was similar to the research by Chen et al ( 13 ). The cure rate of bladder hyperactivity in the IVES group was significantly higher, and the IVES group exhibited a better bladder compliance.…”

Neuromodulation of spinal reflex pathway for the treatment of detrusor overactivity by medial plantar nerve stimulation at surface of sole of foot in patients with spinal cord injury

“…Detrusor overactivity leads to high bladder pressure, small bladder capacity, possible vesicoureteral reflux, and subsequently impairment of renal functions. [ 13 ] CIC and anticholinergic drugs are the gold standards in the management of detrusor overactivity. Intravesical agents such as Botulinum-A, Oxybutynin, and Capsaicin are commonly used for reduction of urinary incontinence due to detrusor overactivity.…”