Project Type:
Modular (Joint)Lead Center:
Southern California Spinal Cord Injury Model SystemPrincipal Investigator Name:
Principal Investigator Email:
Start Date:
09/01/2021End Date:
08/31/2026Participating Centers:
Target Population(s):
Project Website:
Abstract:
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a common complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). It has a significant impact on quality of life and is a top rehabilitation priority for patients with SCI. However, little is known about bowel-related quality of life in this population and the factors that influence bowel-related quality of life are poorly understood. In addition, how bowel-related quality of life changes over time after an injury is unknown, as very few studies have addressed changes in neurogenic bowel function in a longitudinal fashion. Therefore, our objective is to determine the factors associated with improved bowel-related quality of life and to increase our understanding of how bowel-related quality of life changes longitudinally after SCI.