Pediatric Locomotor Training Bladder Study

Bladder dysfunction is one of the most important factors influencing duration and quality of life in children with spinal cord injury. Effective bladder control comprises a major aspect of a child's life with SCI and is especially challenging due to the rapid changes in a child's physical and cognitive development. Urological consequences secondary to a neurogenic bladder are responsible for many clinical complications post-spinal cord injury, including repeated urinary tract infections, autonomic dysreflexia, lifelong urologic care, and many hospitalizations. Alternative approaches to bladder management that focus on recovery of function and age-appropriate independence are needed. Prior research findings in our lab in adult participants indicate a benefit of locomotor training on bladder function. The purpose of this study is to determine with quantitative unbiased urodynamic outcome measures if locomotor training, provided to children with spinal cord injury, impacts the developing urinary system.

Inclusion Criteria: * Supra-sacral, non-progressive spinal cord injury * Bladder dysfunction post-injury Exclusion Criteria: * Use of anti-spasticity medications or unwillingness to wean off of medications * Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) in the bladder within 9 months of the study * Bladder dysfunction or urinary tract impairment prior to injury