Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury Neurogenic Bladder
NCT ID: NCT04350359
Last Updated: 2025-07-14
Study Results
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Basic Information
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RECRUITING
NA
120 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2020-06-08
2026-07-01
Brief Summary
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Detailed Description
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Based on our pilot trials, tibial nerve stimulation protocols use submotor current intensity with a duration of 200 µs and a frequency of 20Hz. The experimental group will use a submotor "variable dose." The fixed-dose group will use submotor at current intensity at 1mA and designated as "fixed-dose."
TTNS will be used 5 days weekly, per our pilot trial. At 4-months post-SCI, the subject will be instructed to switch to 2x daily if he or she was randomized into the variable dose group of 2 days weekly and thus continue to doing so for the remainder of study participation. Because there is support in the literature for reduced doses of tibial nerve stimulation required for maintenance (1-3x weekly), the RCT includes this frequency comparison arm. All subjects will continue for 1-year post-SCI.
Additionally, we are collecting surveys to help identify characteristics of people (resilience and confidence) and adherence to medication and TTNS use throughout the study.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
FACTORIAL
TREATMENT
SINGLE
Study Groups
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Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 5 x week
TTNS protocol: Electrodes 2 inch by 2 inch will be placed according to anatomic landmarks, with the negative electrode behind the internal malleolus and the positive electrode 10cm superior to the negative electrode, verified with rhythmic flexion of the toes secondary to stimulation of the flexor digitorum and hallicus brevis. The intensity level will be set to the amperage immediately under the threshold for motor contraction. If there is no contraction seen, patients will be excluded. In addition, if the patient perceives pain, the intensity will be lowered until comfortable. Stimulation frequency of 20 Hz and pulse width of 200ms in continuous mode will be used.
All participants will be instructed to use the device for 30 minutes, 5 days per week for the first 4 months post-sci.
Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 5 x week
Electrodes 2 inch by 2 inch will be placed according to anatomic landmarks, with the negative electrode behind the internal malleolus and the positive electrode 10cm superior to the negative electrode, verified with rhythmic flexion of the toes secondary to stimulation of the flexor digitorum and hallicus brevis. The intensity level will be set to the amperage immediately under the threshold for motor contraction. If there is no contraction seen, patients will be excluded. In addition, if the patient perceives pain, the intensity will be lowered until comfortable. Stimulation frequency of 20 Hz and pulse width of 200ms in continuous mode will be used.
Fixed-dose TTNS protocol
Fixed-dose protocol: Toe flexion will be attempted, as in the TTNS protocol. Then the stimulation will be reduced to 1 mA for 30 minutes.
Both variable-dose TTNS and fixed-dose TTNS protocol participants will be instructed to use the device for 30 minutes, 5 days per week.
Fixed-dose TTNS Protocol
Toe flexion will be attempted, as in the TTNS protocol. Then the stimulation will be reduced to 1 mA for 30 minutes. This will continue at 5x weekly until 1-year post-injury.
Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 2 x week
At the 4 month CMG, subjects initially randomized into the variable dose protocol of 2 x weekly will start doing so for the remainder of the study.
Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 2 x week
At the 4 month CMG, subjects initially randomized into the variable dose protocol of 2 x weekly will start doing so for the remainder of the study.
Interventions
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Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 5 x week
Electrodes 2 inch by 2 inch will be placed according to anatomic landmarks, with the negative electrode behind the internal malleolus and the positive electrode 10cm superior to the negative electrode, verified with rhythmic flexion of the toes secondary to stimulation of the flexor digitorum and hallicus brevis. The intensity level will be set to the amperage immediately under the threshold for motor contraction. If there is no contraction seen, patients will be excluded. In addition, if the patient perceives pain, the intensity will be lowered until comfortable. Stimulation frequency of 20 Hz and pulse width of 200ms in continuous mode will be used.
Fixed-dose TTNS Protocol
Toe flexion will be attempted, as in the TTNS protocol. Then the stimulation will be reduced to 1 mA for 30 minutes. This will continue at 5x weekly until 1-year post-injury.
Variable-dose TTNS Protocol 2 x week
At the 4 month CMG, subjects initially randomized into the variable dose protocol of 2 x weekly will start doing so for the remainder of the study.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Traumatic or non-traumatic SCI
* Admitted to inpatient rehabilitation within 6 weeks
* T9 level of injury and above who are at greatest risk of morbid NGB
* Regionally located to allow follow-up
* English or Spanish speaking
Exclusion Criteria
* History of central nervous system disorder (i.e. prior SCI, stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, MS, etc.)
* History of peripheral neuropathy
* pre-SCI symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (numbness and/or tingling in feet, sharp/jabbing/burning pain in feet, sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, etc.)
* Pregnancy
* Known injury to the lumbosacral spinal cord or plexus, or pelvis with associated neuropathy
* concern for tibial nerve pathway injury
* absence of toe flexion or autonomic dysreflexia during electric stimulation test
* Potential for progressive SCI including neurodegenerative SCI, ALS, cancer myelopathy, Multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis
18 Years
75 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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MedStar National Rehabilitation Network
OTHER
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
OTHER
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Argyrios Stampas, MD
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Research Director
Principal Investigators
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Argyrios Stampas, MD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
UTHealth and TIRR Mermorial Hermann
Suzanne Groah, MD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Locations
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MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center
Houston, Texas, United States
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Facility Contacts
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References
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Ackery A, Tator C, Krassioukov A. A global perspective on spinal cord injury epidemiology. J Neurotrauma. 2004 Oct;21(10):1355-70. doi: 10.1089/neu.2004.21.1355.
Weld KJ, Dmochowski RR. Association of level of injury and bladder behavior in patients with post-traumatic spinal cord injury. Urology. 2000 Apr;55(4):490-4. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(99)00553-1.
Stohrer M, Blok B, Castro-Diaz D, Chartier-Kastler E, Del Popolo G, Kramer G, Pannek J, Radziszewski P, Wyndaele JJ. EAU guidelines on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Eur Urol. 2009 Jul;56(1):81-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2009.04.028. Epub 2009 Apr 21.
Anderson KD. Targeting recovery: priorities of the spinal cord-injured population. J Neurotrauma. 2004 Oct;21(10):1371-83. doi: 10.1089/neu.2004.21.1371.
Chaabane W, Guillotreau J, Castel-Lacanal E, Abu-Anz S, De Boissezon X, Malavaud B, Marque P, Sarramon JP, Rischmann P, Game X. Sacral neuromodulation for treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction: clinical and urodynamic study. Neurourol Urodyn. 2011 Apr;30(4):547-50. doi: 10.1002/nau.21009.
Chen G, Liao L, Li Y. The possible role of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation using adhesive skin surface electrodes in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to spinal cord injury. Int Urol Nephrol. 2015 Mar;47(3):451-5. doi: 10.1007/s11255-015-0911-6. Epub 2015 Jan 22.
del Popolo G, Mencarini M, Nelli F, Lazzeri M. Controversy over the pharmacological treatments of storage symptoms in spinal cord injury patients: a literature overview. Spinal Cord. 2012 Jan;50(1):8-13. doi: 10.1038/sc.2011.110. Epub 2011 Nov 1.
Canbaz Kabay S, Kabay S, Mestan E, Cetiner M, Ayas S, Sevim M, Ozden H, Karaman HO. Long term sustained therapeutic effects of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation treatment of neurogenic overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients: 12-months results. Neurourol Urodyn. 2017 Jan;36(1):104-110. doi: 10.1002/nau.22868. Epub 2015 Sep 9.
Sirls ER, Killinger KA, Boura JA, Peters KM. Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Office Setting: Real-world Experience of Over 100 Patients. Urology. 2018 Mar;113:34-39. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.11.026. Epub 2017 Nov 28.
Fougere RJ, Currie KD, Nigro MK, Stothers L, Rapoport D, Krassioukov AV. Reduction in Bladder-Related Autonomic Dysreflexia after OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma. 2016 Sep 15;33(18):1651-7. doi: 10.1089/neu.2015.4278. Epub 2016 Apr 13.
Sievert KD, Amend B, Gakis G, Toomey P, Badke A, Kaps HP, Stenzl A. Early sacral neuromodulation prevents urinary incontinence after complete spinal cord injury. Ann Neurol. 2010 Jan;67(1):74-84. doi: 10.1002/ana.21814.
de Seze M, Raibaut P, Gallien P, Even-Schneider A, Denys P, Bonniaud V, Game X, Amarenco G. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome in multiple sclerosis: results of a multicenter prospective study. Neurourol Urodyn. 2011 Mar;30(3):306-11. doi: 10.1002/nau.20958. Epub 2011 Feb 8.
McDonald JW 3rd, Sadowsky CL, Stampas A. The changing field of rehabilitation: optimizing spontaneous regeneration and functional recovery. Handb Clin Neurol. 2012;109:317-36. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-52137-8.00020-6.
Stampas A, Tansey KE. Spinal cord injury medicine and rehabilitation. Semin Neurol. 2014 Nov;34(5):524-33. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1396006. Epub 2014 Dec 17.
Stampas A, York HS, O'Dell MW. Is the Routine Use of a Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycle for Lower Limb Movement Standard of Care for Acute Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation? PM R. 2017 May;9(5):521-528. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.03.005. No abstract available.
Stampas A, Korupolu R, Zhu L, Smith CP, Gustafson K. Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Neurogenic Bladder: A Randomized Control Pilot Trial. Neuromodulation. 2019 Aug;22(6):716-722. doi: 10.1111/ner.12855. Epub 2018 Oct 3.
Sanford MT, Suskind AM. Neuromodulation in neurogenic bladder. Transl Androl Urol. 2016 Feb;5(1):117-26. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.12.01.
Stampas A, Gustafson K, Korupolu R, Smith C, Zhu L, Li S. Bladder Neuromodulation in Acute Spinal Cord Injury via Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation: Cystometrogram and Autonomic Nervous System Evidence From a Randomized Control Pilot Trial. Front Neurosci. 2019 Feb 19;13:119. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00119. eCollection 2019.
Finazzi Agro E, Campagna A, Sciobica F, Petta F, Germani S, Zuccala A, Miano R. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation: is the once-a-week protocol the best option? Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2005 Jun;57(2):119-23. English, Italian.
Manriquez V, Guzman R, Naser M, Aguilera A, Narvaez S, Castro A, Swift S, Digesu GA. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation versus extended release oxybutynin in overactive bladder patients. A prospective randomized trial. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016 Jan;196:6-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.09.020. Epub 2015 Oct 20.
Gaziev G, Topazio L, Iacovelli V, Asimakopoulos A, Di Santo A, De Nunzio C, Finazzi-Agro E. Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunctions: a systematic review. BMC Urol. 2013 Nov 25;13:61. doi: 10.1186/1471-2490-13-61.
Dubeau CE. The aging lower urinary tract. J Urol. 2006 Mar;175(3 Pt 2):S11-5. doi: 10.1016/S0022-5347(05)00311-3.
Welk B, Lenherr S, Elliott S, Stoffel J, Presson AP, Zhang C, Myers JB. The Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS): a secondary assessment of its validity, reliability among people with a spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord. 2018 Mar;56(3):259-264. doi: 10.1038/s41393-017-0028-0. Epub 2017 Nov 29.
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Bothig R, Fiebag K, Thietje R, Faschingbauer M, Hirschfeld S. Morbidity of urinary tract infection after urodynamic examination of hospitalized SCI patients: the impact of bladder management. Spinal Cord. 2013 Jan;51(1):70-3. doi: 10.1038/sc.2012.107. Epub 2012 Sep 11.
Pannek J, Nehiba M. Morbidity of urodynamic testing in patients with spinal cord injury: is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary? Spinal Cord. 2007 Dec;45(12):771-4. doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3102114. Epub 2007 Aug 21.
Street JT, Noonan VK, Cheung A, Fisher CG, Dvorak MF. Incidence of acute care adverse events and long-term health-related quality of life in patients with TSCI. Spine J. 2015 May 1;15(5):923-32. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.06.051. Epub 2013 Aug 24.
Montgomerie JZ. Infections in patients with spinal cord injuries. Clin Infect Dis. 1997 Dec;25(6):1285-90; quiz 1291-2. doi: 10.1086/516144. No abstract available.
Other Identifiers
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HSC-MS-19-0756
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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