Measuring visceral pain in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective Integrated Multimodal Electrophysiological Index for the Quantification of Visceral Pain

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11145911

This study is looking for a new way to measure the belly pain that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) feel, so that doctors can better understand it and create more effective treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-11145911 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop an objective method to quantify visceral pain experienced by patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). By utilizing an integrated multimodal electrophysiological index, the study will assess autonomic nervous system activity and abdominal muscle contractions in relation to pain levels. This approach seeks to provide a reliable biomarker for visceral pain, moving beyond subjective patient reports that can be influenced by placebo effects. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the development of more effective treatments for IBS pain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who experience significant visceral pain.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or those who do not experience visceral pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from IBS-related visceral pain.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electrophysiological indices is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in correlating autonomic nervous system activity with pain perception.

Where this research is happening

Storrs-Mansfield, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.