Efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation in neurogenic bowel dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aims of this study were to assess the usefulness of functional magnetic stimulation in controlling neurogenic bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injured patients with supraconal and conal/caudal lesions, and to investigate the efficacy of this regimen with a 3-month follow-up.

DESIGN:

A longitudinal, prospective before-after trial.

SUBJECTS:

A total of 22 patients with chronic spinal cord injured and intractable neurogenic bowel dysfunction. They were divided into group 1 (supraconal lesion) and group 2 (conal/caudal lesion).

METHODS:

The colonic transit time assessment and Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom Questionnaire were carried out for each patient before they received a 3-week functional magnetic stimulation protocol and on the day following the treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:

Following functional magnetic stimulation, the mean colonic transit time for all patients decreased from 62.6 to 50.4 h (p<0.001). The patients' Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom scores decreased from 24.5 to 19.2 points (p<0.001). The colonic transit time decrement in both group 1 (p=0.003) and group 2 (p=0.043) showed significant differences, as did the Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom score in both groups following stimulation and in the 3-month follow-up results (p<0.01). The improvements in bowel function indicate that functional magnetic stimulation,featuring broad-spectrum application, can be incorporated successfully into other therapies as an optimal adjuvant treatment for neurogenic bowel dysfunction resulting from spinal cord injury.

• Authors: Po-Yi Tsai, Chih-Pin Wang, Fang-Yao Chiu, Yu-An Tsai, Yue-Cune Chang, Tien-Yow Chuang
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 41-7 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1651-2081 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 19197568 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Colon (physiopathology)
• Constipation (etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastrointestinal Motility (physiology)
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Magnetic Field Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Spinal Cord Injuries (complications, physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult