Prevalence of self-reported complications associated with intermittent catheterization in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord, 2021 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00565-6 · Published: October 13, 2020

Simple Explanation

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), many individuals experience urinary issues. Intermittent catheterization (IC) is a common method to manage bladder emptying, but it can lead to complications. This study focuses on wheelchair athletes with SCI who use IC. The goal was to determine how common complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urethral injuries are in this specific group. The research found a high rate of self-reported complications related to IC among these athletes. This highlights the need for better preventative measures and education to improve their health and athletic performance.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

130 competitive wheelchair athletes with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
A significant majority (77%) of wheelchair athletes using intermittent catheterization experienced at least one complication.
2
Over half of the athletes (63%) had at least one urinary tract infection in the past year, and over a quarter (27%) sustained urethral injuries.
3
Almost one-fourth (23%) of the male athletes reported inflammation/infection of genital organs associated with intermittent catheterization.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of complications associated with intermittent catheterization (IC) in wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found a high prevalence of self-reported complications, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urethral injuries, among athletes using IC. The findings underscore the need for preventative strategies and education to minimize IC-related complications and improve the health and performance of wheelchair athletes with SCI.

Practical Implications

Preventative Strategies

Focus on implementing preventative strategies to reduce IC-related complications in wheelchair athletes.

Continued Education

Provide continued education for individuals with SCI on the latest advances in catheter types, catheterization techniques, and behavior modification.

Future Research

Conduct future studies to determine predictors for complications associated with IC and evaluate the success of education and preventive strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional assessment limits causal inference.
2
Self-reported data on UTIs and urethral injuries without objective verification.
3
Lack of detailed information on specific UTI symptoms and antibiotic resistance.

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