Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Connecting Tissue Massage Plus Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation in adults

Official title: Effects of Connective Tissue Massage Applied in Addition to Biofeedback Therapy in Individuals With Dyssynergic Defecation

Run by Selcuk University · NCT07890727 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether adding connective tissue massage to EMG biofeedback helps adults with dyssynergic defecation improve bowel function and quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment56 (estimated)
SponsorSelcuk University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Konya)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2027
Study endsJune 1, 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 26, 2026
Trial IDNCT07890727 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 and older with functional constipation and physician-confirmed dyssynergic defecation.

Probably not a fit

Some participants may not experience additional improvement from CTM when added to EMG-BF.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized trial, adults with functional constipation and physician-confirmed dyssynergic defecation are assigned to receive either EMG biofeedback alone or EMG biofeedback plus connective tissue massage over 6 weeks (12 sessions). Both groups receive education on pelvic floor function and defecation techniques, with outcomes including bowel function, constipation severity, anal sphincter function, quality of life, and anxiety. The trial aims to determine if the combination therapy offers additional benefit beyond biofeedback and education. Safety considerations focus on standard massage precautions and exclusion of conditions that could be worsened by massage or biofeedback. Results will inform non-drug treatment options for DD in adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better bowel function and quality of life with a non-pharmacologic treatment approach.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation; this combination with CTM is a novel approach with limited prior evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years and older.
* Individuals with functional constipation according to the Rome IV criteria.
* Individuals diagnosed with dyssynergic defecation by a physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with systemic, neurological, or metabolic diseases.
* Individuals who are pregnant.
* Individuals with abdominal hernias or coexisting colonic diseases.
* Individuals with a history of colorectal, gastrointestinal, spinal, or pelvic surgery.
* Individuals with open wounds or tumors in the areas where massage will be applied.

Where it's running

  • Özel Sağlık Meslek Hizmet Birimi Fizyoterapist Beyza Nur Pınarcık
    Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.