Could a belly zapper cut bathroom time for spinal injury patients?

NCT ID NCT06948175

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Many people with spinal cord injury struggle with slow bowel emptying and constipation. This study tests whether a small device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to the belly can speed up bowel movements and improve stool consistency. Twelve participants will use the stimulator at home for 30 minutes before each bowel routine over two months. Researchers will compare bowel function with and without the device.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

abdominal transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to reduce bowel emptying time and improve quality of life for people with spinal cord injury.

What could go wrong

This is a very small early study (12 people) testing a specific stimulation method. Results may not apply to everyone, and the benefit may be modest or not work at all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

intestinal disorder spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

    Edmonton, Alberta, T5G 0B7, Canada