Absence of high amplitude propagating contractions in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a common problem after spinal cord injury (SCI). It can cause constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel issues, significantly impacting quality of life. High amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) are strong, long-lasting pressure waves in the colon that help move stool. They are thought to be important for bowel movements and often occur after waking up or eating. This study found that people with SCI don't have these HAPC, which may explain why they often have trouble with bowel movements. The study also found that colonic motility decreases during sleep in both people with and without SCI.

• 1
  High amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) were absent in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during pre-sleep, sleep, and post-sleep phases.
• 2
  In non-SCI controls, HAPC significantly increased after awakening, but this increase was not observed in SCI subjects.
• 3
  Colonic motility index was lower in SCI subjects than in controls during pre-sleep and post-sleep phases.