NCT07101042

Cold vs. Paraspinal Stimulation for Erectile and Urinary Function in SCI Patients

A Comparative Study of Cold and Paraspinal Stimulation on Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary Incontinence in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 25 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is being conducted to compare the effects of two simple treatments-cold therapy and electrical stimulation applied to the lower back-on sexual function and urinary control in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Many individuals with SCI experience difficulties with erection and urinary leakage, which can negatively affect their quality of life. In this study, participants will be assigned to receive either cold stimulation (using ice massage) or electrical stimulation over the spine. Each treatment will be applied three times a week for four weeks. The study will measure improvements in erectile function using a questionnaire called SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men), and urinary control using a short-form urinary incontinence questionnaire. The goal is to identify which treatment provides better results, is more comfortable for patients, and can be safely used as part of rehabilitation in clinical settings.

Detailed description

Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are among the most challenging secondary complications faced by men with spinal cord injury (SCI). These dysfunctions result primarily from disruption of spinal autonomic pathways and contribute significantly to reduced quality of life, social participation, and psychological well-being. Despite their clinical significance, non-invasive therapeutic approaches targeting autonomic recovery are under-researched. This randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effects of two non-invasive stimulation techniques-localized cold stimulation and paraspinal electrical stimulation-on erectile function and urinary incontinence in adult males with chronic SCI. Cold therapy activates superficial sensory afferents and spinal reflex arcs, while paraspinal stimulation is hypothesized to engage deeper segmental pathways within the thoracolumbar cord that contribute to pelvic organ regulation. The study is designed to assess changes in erectile function using the SHIM questionnaire and changes in urinary incontinence using the ICIQ-UI SF. Both interventions will be applied over four weeks, with standardized protocols and session frequency. Findings from this trial may offer insight into accessible, low-risk options for addressing autonomic dysfunction in SCI and guide future rehabilitation protocols focused on quality-of-life outcomes.

Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Cold Stimulation	Ice massage using circular movements over the suprapubic and inner thigh areas to stimulate sensory afferents. Each session lasted 20 minutes, delivered 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
OTHER	Paraspinal Electrical Stimulation	Surface electrodes applied bilaterally to the T12-L2 region. Parameters: 20 Hz frequency, 200 µs pulse width, intensity set below motor threshold. Sessions were administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-01
• Completion: 2025-10-10
• First posted: 2025-08-03
• Last updated: 2025-08-03