Intermittent catheterization has reduced the frequency of urinary tract infection(UTI), calculus formation and vesicourethral reflux in spinal cord injured(SCI) patients. Still the residual urine (RU) following catheterization has been suggested as one of the possible causes of UTI.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of postures on RU following catheterization, for the rehabilitation of neurogenic bladder in SCI patients. The inclusion criteria were: SCI patients with neurogenic bladder; completion of bladder rehabilitation program; good sitting balance and intact hand function. twelve SCI patients fulfilled the criteria and completed ultrasonographic RU measurement in sitting and supine posture following catherterization, respectively. We also studied the frequency of UTI, the functional type of neurogenic bladder and the postures during bladder evacuation at home.

All patients had ultrasonographical evidence of RU following catheterizations both in sitting and supine postures. Residual urine volume following catheterization was significantly smaller in sitting posture than in supine posture(p<0.05). Frequency of UTI was significantly lower in the patients who performed catheterizations in sitting posture than in supine posture(p<0.05).

In conclusion, bladder training in sitting posture would be better than in supine posture to minimize RU in SCI patients with good sitting balance and intact hand function.