Effects of individualized bladder training therapy in neurogenic bladder patients after spinal cord injury

Objective To explore the effectiveness of individualized bladder training therapy in alleviating neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Methods Sixty-two patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group, each of 30 patients. The treatment group was given individualized bladder training based on a simple urodynamics test for determining the safe bladder volume of each patient, while the control group patients were provided with regular bladder training. Bladder balance time and urinary tract infection rates were observed at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment had ended. Results All the patients in both groups could achieve bladder balance after their treatment, but he time needed for the treatment was significantly shorter for those receiving individualized training programs [(33.88±5.62)d, (34.75±6.63)d, and (32.23±6.34)d, respectively for patients with cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral cord injury] than that of the control group [(45.87±7.86)d, (44.32±7.55)d and (40.56±8.67)d, respectively for cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral cord injury]. The incidence of urinary tract infection was also significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Individualized bladder training in patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury can promote quicker recovery of bladder balance and reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. It is worth applying in clinical practice. Key words: Bladder training therapy; Neurogenic bladder; Spinal cord injury; Simple urodynamics test