Cognitive behavioral therapy plus pelvic floor rehabilitation for dyssynergic defecation
Official title: An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Administered in Conjunction With Pelvic Floor Exercises in Patients With Dyssynergic Defecation
Run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT07488442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if adding cognitive behavioral therapy to lifestyle changes and pelvic floor rehabilitation helps adults aged 18–55 with dyssynergic defecation reduce constipation symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07488442 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–55 with chronic constipation for over a year, meeting Rome IV criteria and confirmed dyssynergic defecation on anorectal manometry and balloon defecography, without organic or metabolic causes, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease, an active anal fissure, prior major abdominal surgery, neurological disorders, serious psychiatric illness, or those taking medications that cause constipation are unlikely to benefit or qualify.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic constipation meeting Rome IV criteria and objective confirmation of dyssynergic defecation by anorectal manometry and balloon defecography will receive pelvic floor rehabilitation with or without adjunctive cognitive behavioral therapy alongside lifestyle modification. Participants will be enrolled at a single center and compared on symptom measures and physiologic assessments of anorectal function. The intervention pairs physical rehabilitation of the pelvic floor with psychological techniques aimed at changing bowel-related behaviors and coping. Outcomes will focus on symptom improvement, bowel habit changes, and functional test results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding CBT could improve bowel coordination, reduce straining and symptom burden, and enhance quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Pelvic floor rehabilitation and biofeedback have established efficacy for dyssynergic defecation, while combining cognitive behavioral therapy is less well studied though CBT has shown benefit in related functional bowel disorders.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A history of constipation lasting longer than one year 2. Chronic constipation as defined by the Rome IV criteria 3. Being between the ages of 18 and 55 4. Findings consistent with dyssynergic defecation on anorectal manometry and balloon defecography 5. Exclusion of organic and metabolic causes of chronic constipation Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active bowel disease 2. Presence of an active anal fissure 3. History of major abdominal surgery 4. Presence of a neurological disorder 5. Presence of a serious psychiatric disorder 6. Use of medications that cause constipation
Where it's running
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Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ayşe Naz Kalem Ozgen, specialist
- Email: kalemnaz@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 0312 797 00 00
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.