Abdominal Myofascial Release for IBS-C in patients of all ages
Official title: Physiologic effect of abdominal myofascial release (MFR) in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11287557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a hands-on therapy called abdominal myofascial release to help kids, teens, and adults with IBS with constipation feel better and have fewer tummy symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $489,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT013588-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11287557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Candidates include children, teens, and adults with IBS-C who experience abdominal pain and constipation.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not experience meaningful relief from abdominal-MFR or may have conditions making manual therapy unsuitable.
What this research studies
This project explores how a gentle, manual therapy applied to the abdomen might change gut movement and pain in people with IBS-C. Researchers have already shown the approach is doable in adolescents and may improve symptoms and quality of life; this grant will extend the work to a broader age range and monitor safety and tolerability. Using a structured abdominal-MFR protocol, the team will measure abdominal symptoms, GI function, and overall well-being to see if this therapy could become a practical option. Participants will receive hands-on sessions and report their symptom changes over time with clinician oversight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with IBS-C could have a new non-drug therapy to reduce pain and improve bowel function and daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in adolescents and adults suggest symptom improvement and good tolerability, supporting further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benitez, Alain J — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Benitez, Alain J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.