Spina Bifida

This study will investigate whether adding motor imagery to thoracic expansion exercises can improve respiratory function in children with spina bifida. Motor imagery involves mentally imagining a movement or bodily action without physically performing an additional movement. Children with spina bifida will participate in two exercise sessions separated by a 14-day washout period. In one session, participants will perform thoracic expansion exercises alone. In the other session, the same thoracic expansion exercises will be combined with guided motor imagery. The order of the two sessions will be randomized. Respiratory function will be assessed before and immediately after each session. The primary outcome will be the change in forced vital capacity (FVC). Additional outcomes will include forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75), peak expiratory flow (PEF), chest expansion, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). The study aims to determine whether combining motor imagery with thoracic expansion exercises produces greater immediate improvements in respiratory function than thoracic expansion exercises alone.

The goal of this observational study is to learn how different enema programs affect bowel control in children and adults with spina bifida. An enema program involves putting liquid into the large intestine (colon) to help someone poop. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. How well do different enema programs prevent bowel accidents? 2. How do these enema programs affect independence, bowel symptoms, and quality of life? Researchers will compare two types of enema programs to see which works better and is easier for participants to manage. Participants starting a new enema program will answer online survey questions at 3 different timepoints over the course of 1 year.

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of an autologous umbilical cord patch for dural closure on the repair of open neural tube defect. The outcomes will evaluate successful defect closure, creation of a more capacious spinal canal, and reduction in inflammatory tissue response versus historical controls.

A single-center, open-label, investigational pilot trial to explore potential effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on leg muscle strength and walking in children with myelomeningocele.

The primary objective of the study is to validate the safety and clinical performance of the ABLE Kids device in pediatric patients with neurological gait disorders or muscular weakness during a 10-session gait training program in a clinical setting. The secondary objective of the study focuses on obtaining preliminary data on the potential clinical and psychosocial benefits of the product.

This study will assess the benefits of using mobile health system designed for individuals with chronic and complex health conditions (such as those with Spinal Cord Injury,Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and Traumatic Brain Injury) to improve their wellness and self-management skills compared to those who receive standard of care only.

The International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care at Children's Hospital Colorado treats patients who suffer from many different colorectal issues such as anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung disease, and severe constipation. Many of these patients suffer from fecal incontinence. The investigators have developed a week long bowel management program (BMP) that is offered every month to help these kids stay clean of stool in the underwear, by finding the perfect enema recipe to clean the colon for 24 hours. This allows one to perform an enema once every day, clean their colon, and remain free of 'accidents'. Many spina bifida patients also suffer from fecal incontinence and are referred to this BMP. The overall success rate for all patients who suffer from fecal incontinence is 95%, however the success rate for spina bifida patients is only 77%. The reason for this decrease in success is due to the lack of anal sphincter tone in spina bifida patients, which leads to inadvertent leakage and spillage of enema fluid and bowel content during enema administration. The purpose of this study is to create and test an enema administration device that improves upon current methods.

The main objective of the proposed research study is to determine in men and women with spinal cord injury/disease and neurogenic bladder whether the dose of coupled gentamicin \& Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG affects the recolonization of the bladder, and whether the rate of success differs by sex. Secondary objectives include determining whether that recolonization lasts 7, 14, or 28 days; and safety of the coupled gentamicin \& Lactobacillus instillations.

To establish the preliminary utility of a novel pediatric manual mobile standing wheelchair (PedMMSWC).

Malformation of the lumbosacral region (spina bifida) affects the innervation of the bladder in children. The usual evolution leads to a neurological bladder with small capacity, poor compliancy and overactivity, exposing to incontinence and obstruction to the evacuation of urine. It is responsible for renal failure requiring dialysis and transplantation. Current therapeutics aim to evacuate urine and reduce intravesical pressure. It gradually combines 1) intermittent catheterization, 2) anticholinergics, 3) botulinum toxin (Botox®) injection into the detrusor (bladder muscle) by cystoscopy and 4) surgery (vesicostomy, Bricker, enterocystoplasty). Oxybutynin relaxes the detrusor, improves continence and reduces intravesical pressure. It is usually administered per os, but there are contraindications (glaucoma, myasthenia), side effects (constipation, dry mouth). It can be difficult to swallow for children, and drug resistance may develop. It can lead to ineffective treatment requiring therapeutic escalation. The next step, intradetrusor Botox® injection, is invasive (cystoscopy), has a limited duration of action (6 months) and must be performed under general anesthesia in children. Surgical treatments are effective but irreversible and responsible for morbidity and mortality. A randomized study was performed demonstrating the efficacy of intravesical oxybutynin compared to oral administration in adult patients. This study found a significant increase in bladder capacity and a significant decrease in side effects in the intravesical oxybutynin group. Due to the relative difficulties of intravesical oxybutynin delivery (preparation, cost) and the more invasive nature, it is not used as an alternative to oral oxybutynin. The hypothesis of this study is that this treatment may have a legitimate place in the treatment of neurogenic bladder in patients with failure of anticholinergic treatment before a therapeutic escalation requiring an invasive procedure (Botox®, enterocystoplasty) especially in children for whom repeated general anesthesia for Botox® injection may interfere with brain development. In this way, the investigators aim to extend the time to therapeutic escalation in the pediatric population. The main objective of the trial is to compare the efficacy on maximal bladder capacity of intravesical oxybutynin instillation versus placebo in the treatment of children with overactive neurogenic bladder (spina bifida), performing intermittent catheterization, for whom oral anticholinergic treatment is ineffective or poorly tolerated.

The population cared for in the Transitional and Lifelong Care (TLC) clinic is youth and adults with childhood-onset disability, of which the large majority are adults with brain-based, neurodevelopmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and developmental disability. The TLC program was created to address the health inequities that have long existed for this population because of the gaps in care they experience once they transition from pediatric healthcare services to the adult healthcare sector. The TLC program offers coordinated and comprehensive management of co-occurring mental, social and physical health conditions for this group of adults with neurodiverse conditions. The proposed study will provide much needed evaluation of the TLC model as an intervention to provide transitional and lifelong care that reduces the barriers experienced because of the undefined clinic path - potentially more appropriately referred to as a "cliff" by a Freeman et al., (2015) - for these individuals. With appropriate evidence of effectiveness, scaling of the TLC program to other Ontario Health regions and more widely across Canada would improve access healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and competent in the management of physical and mental health conditions for adults with neurodiverse conditions as well as service integration and coordination between social and health sectors. The TLC clinic was co-designed with adults with neurodiverse conditions and health care providers in 2014 and represents a significant and sustainable change in the way healthcare has been delivered for this population in the Ontario Health West region over the last 7 years. More than 750 people have accessed coordinated and comprehensive care from Physiatrists, a Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Registered Dietitian and Rehabilitation Therapist in the TLC program since it began, documenting the effectiveness of this care has the power to re-shape care received for adults with neurodiverse conditions that onset in childhood in Canada.

The purpose of this research study is to determine the effectiveness of a treatment called "transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation" or "TTNS" in the treatment of urinary leakage for patients with spina bifida. This treatment involves electrical stimulation of a nerve by the ankle. Participants will complete urodynamic testing and questionnaires prior to the treatments. Participants will then complete 6 weekly treatments of TTNS. Participants will learn how to do the treatment in the clinic, and then can complete the treatments at home. For patients with a good response, the treatments may be continued for another 6 weeks, for a total of 6 weeks.

The aim of the study is to investigate known urinary biomarkers in order to determine whether they can be predictive of a risk of damage to the upper urinary tract and therefore the kidneys in patients with spina bifida. The risk of damage to the upper urinary tract can be calculated using the Galloway score, based on the results of the urodynamic study and retrograde urethrocystography, which all patients with spina bifida have regularly. The urinary biomarkers studied TIMP-2 (Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2) and MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) are potentially associated with renal degradation, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Volunteers to take part in the study will have their biomarkers measured at the time of their urodynamic assessment.

This clinical trial assesses the effect of a telecare psychosocial intervention designed for adults with spina bifida. The intervention consists of 10 weekly 1.5-hour group sessions, followed by two 3-month follow-up sessions. Each group will consist of 6 to 7 individuals. The intervention is aimed at strengthening aspects of self-concept, self-esteem, social skills and aims at a reduction of symptomatology and a general improvement of psychological well-being.

The research is being done to compare two methods of creating AFOs: 1. The traditional method, which involves manually creating a mold from a plaster cast of the client's limb. This is time-consuming and labor-intensive; and 2. The newer method uses digital technology, such as 3D scanning and printing, to design and produce the AFOs, potentially making the process faster and less costly. We want to know whether AFOs made using digital technology can provide the same clinical benefits as those made traditionally.

Background: People with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury often have muscle weakness and problems controlling how their legs move. This can affect how they walk. The NIH has designed a robotic device (exoskeleton) that can be worn on the legs while walking. The wearable robot offers a new form of gait training. Objective: To learn whether a robotic device worn on the legs can improve walking ability in those with a gait disorder. Eligibility: People aged 3 to 17 years with a gait disorder involving the knee joint. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam. Their walking ability will be tested. Participants will have markers taped on their body; they will walk while cameras record their movements. They will undergo other tests of their motor function and muscle strength. The study will be split into three 12-week phases. During 1 phase, participants will continue with their standard therapy. During another phase, participants will work with the exoskeleton in a lab setting. Their legs will be scanned to create an exoskeleton with a customized fit. The exoskeleton operates in different modes: in exercise mode, it applies force that makes it difficult to take steps; in assistance mode, it applies force meant to aid walking; in combination mode, it alternates between these two approaches. During the third phase, participants may take the exoskeleton home. They will walk in the device at least 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 12 weeks. Participants walking ability will be retested after each phase....

A study to use transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to characterize sensorimotor deficits in a pediatric population of individuals with spina bifida.

This is a single-arm prospective study to record maternal and neonatal outcomes on subjects who undergo fetoscopic repair of Neural Tube Defects (NTD) at Oregon Health \& Science University (OHSU). Fetoscopic repair will take place between 24 weeks 0 days and 27 weeks 6 days gestation. Surgical, post-operative, delivery, and neonatal outcomes will be collected.

Rationale Patients with spina bifida often experience a decreased quality of life compared to patients without spina bifida. The Quality of Life Assessment for Spina Bifida (QUALAS) is a validated questionnaire to assess the quality of life in children, teenagers and adults with spina bifida, accounting for specific factors, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction. This questionnaire enables us to assess the current spina bifida related quality of life and identify if bladder and bowel dysfunction is of influence. Objective(s) To validate the Quality of Life Assessment for Spina Bifida in Children, Teenagers and Adults in Dutch. Study type A multicenter prospective validation cohort study. Study population Children aged 8 - 17 years and adults who are diagnosed with spina bifida. As a control group children aged 8 - 17 years and adults without spina bifida will be approached at the Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) and paediatric clinics. Methods The main study parameter is the validation of the Dutch version of the questionnaire. Patients with spina bifida are asked to fill out the QUALAS at two time-points. They are also asked to fill out an extra questionnaire at two time-points, in order to validate the QUALAS. Children and adults in the control groups are asked to fill out the two questionnaires only once. Burden and risks No (extra) outpatient visit is required. The questions in the questionnaires are similar to the medical history during an outpatient visit. The burden is therefore minimal for these patients. Participation in this study will not influence patient treatment. Recruitment and consent Parents of children and children and adults who meet the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be informed orally about this study by their treating urologist during a regular visit. A patient information and consent form will be handed over to the parents and children over eight years of age and adults. Parents of children and children and adults at the ENT clinic will be approached by the local urologist for participation for this study. If they are willing to participate they will be asked to sign informed consent and fill out the questionnaire.

The aim of this study is to examine and compare the bladder and bowel functions, activation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle groups and quality of life of children diagnosed with spina bifida who did not receive any treatment due to bladder-intestinal dysfunction, received only urotherapy training and received biofeedback training combined with breathing. The type of study is clinical trial. Question 1: Does biofeedback training combined with breathing have an effect on bladder and bowel functions, activation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle groups and quality of life in spina bifida patients with neurogenic bladder and bowel disorders? Question 2: Does urotherapy training have an effect on bladder and bowel functions, activation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle groups and quality of life in spina bifida patients with neurogenic bladder and bowel disorders? Group 1: control group Group 2: urotherapy training group Group 3: Biofeedback exercise training group combined with breathing There will be no extra treatment to group 1. Urotherapy Training: Standard urotherapy is a combined method that includes clinical assessment (recording voiding frequencies, voiding volumes and incontinence episodes in a bladder diary), voiding habit training, behavior modification instructions, lifestyle recommendations regarding fluid intake and supporting children and their parents through the process. Exercise Training: Urotherapy training will be given at the beginning of the treatment process. Contraction and relaxation will be applied around the external sphincter in combination with diaphragmatic breathing by visual imagery with EMG biofeedback application. Group 1, group 2 and group 3 will be compared.

Participation in community-based activities is essential to the health and well-being of youth with physical disabilities; yet, it is extremely restricted. Emerging treatment approaches aimed at improving participation have shifted from focusing only on impaired body functions towards the performance of functional meaningful activities within the youth's natural environment. Investigators' initial results from studies in Quebec show that targeting intervention at the activity/participation level can result in improvement of impaired body functions (e.g., balance, attention, anxiety) - important components to address in rehabilitation. Investigators' team aims to continue studying the impact of participation by launching a larger more rigorous study. Investigators have partnered with major organizations providing rehabilitation services for youth as well as key community-based stakeholders including youth, clinicians, and managers, and together investigators plan to further examine whether engaging in an 8-week community-based activity individually chosen by the youth (e.g., sledge hockey, drawing, playing a musical instrument) can lead to a significant improvement in three key body functions: motor, behavioral and emotional. One hundred and fifty youth with physical disabilities living in Quebec and Ontario will participate and engage in an activity of choice. Changes in their body functions (e.g., movement, attention, mood) will be measured multiple times before, during and after engagement in the chosen activity. Findings of this study can guide clinicians, families and policy-makers to select effective approaches that not only promote participation but also facilitate additional motor and mental benefits from a single intervention. Such 'real-world' treatment approaches involving activities of choice can also increase motivation, compliance and reduce burden on the healthcare system and on the youth and families.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a fetoscopic surgical technique for antenatal correction of fetal myelomeningocele. Two surgical approaches will be utilized. The percutaneous approach will be offered to participants with a posterior placenta. The laparotomy/uterine exteriorization approach will be offered to participants regardless of placental location.

Different clinical conditions can require urinary bladder augmentation or replacement. Tissue engineered bladder has been clinically evaluated but is not recommended due to diverse side effects. Thus, there is a real interest for the development of regenerative approach with innovative scaffolds and cell transplantation. The investigators propose the use of urothelial cells obtained by Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate or bladder (TURP) to obtain a tissue engineered urothelium in association with different scaffolds.