Heart Rate Variability and Anxiety During Urinary Bladder Catheterization

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · May 13, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the experience of using a urinary catheter affects both the physical and emotional well-being of adults who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). Researchers want to understand how anxiety levels and heart rate variability change during the process of intermittent catheterization, which is a method used to help manage urinary drainage in these individuals.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have a chronic spinal cord injury that affects your ability to sense or move (either completely or partially). You should have been injured for at least a year and be able to manage the catheter yourself. If you are currently experiencing a urinary tract infection or have certain medical conditions, you may not be eligible. Participants will be asked to visit the clinic and fill out questionnaires about their experiences. This study aims to improve our understanding of how to better support individuals with spinal cord injuries during catheterization, making the process less stressful for them.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Male or female, 18-70 years of age
• • Any chronic traumatic SCI with either motor sensory complete injury (AIS A/B, N=10) or motor sensory incomplete injury (AIS B/D, N=10).
• • At least 1 year post injury, and at least 6 months from any spinal surgery
• • Hand function sufficient to perform intermittent catheterization for management of urinary bladder drainage
• • Must provide informed consent and be able to understand and complete study-related questionnaires (must be able to understand and speak English or have access to an appropriate interpreter as judged by the investigator)
• • Willing and able to comply with clinic visit and study-related procedures
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Signs or known current urinary tract infection, or other inflammatory conditions of bladder/urethra
• • Currently taking beta blockers or other medications that may affect heart rate
• • History of ureteral injury
• • History of any urinary diversion procedures, including but not limited to bladder augmentation, cystectomy, neo bladder, pouch reservoir, ileal conduit, Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy
• • For women of childbearing potential, currently pregnant
• • A member of the investigational team or his/her immediate family Presence of severe acute medical issue and use of any specific medication or treatment that, in the investigator's judgement, would adversely affect the participant's participation in the study