Examining the Distal Gut Microbiome After Spinal Cord Injury

Persons with a Spinal Cord Injury:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65

2. ≥ 1 year post-injury

3. Spinal cord injury resulting in Tetraplegia or Paraplegia (C5-T6) and motor complete
or incomplete (AIS A-C) impairment. Injury level and impairment will be confirmed by
an American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) exam conducted less than 2 years before
study entry. If longer than 2 years, a certified rater will repeat the exam.

4. Self -reported history of constipation or other gastrointestinal dysfunction (e.g.,
extended bowel care time or difficulty in bowel emptying)

5. Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently hospitalized

2. American Spinal Injury Association (AIS) D-E

3. Self-reported history of Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, gastric
blockage/obstruction or swallowing disorder

4. Gastrointestinal surgery ≤ 3 months prior to study

5. Implanted cardiac pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, morphine (pain), or intrathecal
pump

6. Concurrent use of surface functional electrical stimulation (FES)

Neurologically-Intact Persons:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or over

2. Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Self-reported history of Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, gastric
blockage/obstruction or swallowing disorder

2. Gastrointestinal surgery ≤ 3 months prior to study

3. Implanted cardiac pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, morphine (pain), or intrathecal
pump