The efficacy of motor imagery therapy in treating neurogenic bladder control difficulties after spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of motor imagery therapy in treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods Seventy patients with neurogenic bladder control problems after SCI were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table.All patients of the two groups were given general bladder function intervention,including intermittent catheterization,inducing voiding by reflex detrusor contraction,Credé's maneuver urination,etc.Additionally,the patients in the experimental group were given supplemental motor imagery therapy.The times of urinary incontinence,average bladder capacity,maximum voided volume and residual urine volume of the two groups were measured before treatment and at 2 months after treatment.The two groups' outcomes were quantified using a quality of life (QOL) score.Results Incidents of urinary incontinence,average bladder capacity,residual urine volume,voided volume and the QOL score showed significant improvements in both groups,but the experimental group showed better improvements than the control group.The differences were statistically significant.Conclusion The combination of general bladder function intervention with motor imagery therapy can improve the voiding function of patients with neurogenic bladder disorders after SCI more significantly and enhance their QOL.