BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking participants for a one-day study to determine the relationship between a person’s ability to sense the need to urinate and the ability to control bladder function.

People who have suffered a spinal cord injury and are between ages 19 and 60, or those who have suffered a spinal cord injury within the last six months to three years are eligible to participate. Between 250,000 and 400,000 individuals in the United States have spinal cord injuries, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.

Researchers also seek volunteers who are in good health and do not have a disability.

“People with spinal cord injuries have higher rates of bladder and urinary tract infection because they can’t always sense when their bladder is full,” said Jim Higginbotham, the study coordinator and research specialist in the UAB Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. “When the urine backs up, it can cause infection and damage to the kidneys.”

There have been very few studies conducted that predict bladder control potential, according to Higginbotham. This project will help doctors and researchers come up with targeted methods to help spinal cord injured people gain better management of their bladder. The results also will help them determine which patients will benefit most from different therapies.

Participants will be paid up to $200. Call Higginbotham for more information – (205) 934-2088.