Home-based electrical stimulation for abdominal pain relief
Official title: Home-based transcutaneous electrical acustimulation for abdominal pain
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10916399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a gentle, needle-free method called transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) to help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) manage their abdominal pain more easily at home or work, and it will also include a handy app to help track treatment progress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $623,417 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS115108-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic abdominal pain, particularly those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with abdominal pain not related to irritable bowel syndrome or those who are unable to use the TEA device may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a noninvasive method called transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) to alleviate abdominal pain, particularly in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By using surface electrodes instead of needles, patients can self-administer treatment at home or work, making it more convenient and potentially more effective. The study aims to optimize stimulation parameters and acupoints based on previous research, with the goal of improving autonomic functions that are often impaired in IBS. A special cellphone app will also be developed to track treatment history and enhance patient engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective, and convenient pain management option for patients suffering from abdominal pain due to IBS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that acupuncture and electroacupuncture can effectively manage pain, suggesting that this novel TEA approach may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jiande — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jiande
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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.