MOWOOT versus trans-anal irrigation for chronic constipation
Official title: Intermittent Colonic Exoperistalsis Treatment With MOWOOT Medical Device to Treat Chronic Constipation in Adult Patients Waiting for Using Trans-Anal Irrigation: A Pilot Study
Run by usMIMA S.L. · NCT06833684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether daily Intermittent Colonic Exoperistalsis (ICE) with the MOWOOT device improves bowel management for adults with refractory chronic constipation who are waiting for trans-anal irrigation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | usMIMA S.L. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (London, London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06833684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with refractory chronic idiopathic constipation who are on a waiting list for TAI, have failed biofeedback (when outlet problems are absent), are bothered by their constipation, and can use the device themselves or with a carer and understand English and study requirements are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant outlet obstruction or other non-idiopathic causes of constipation, those unable to use the MOWOOT device or TAI, or those who cannot comply with study procedures or English-language questionnaires may not receive benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, open-label, single-center, controlled study comparing daily ICE using the MOWOOT device to standard trans-anal irrigation (TAI) care over 12 weeks. The experimental group will receive one 20-minute ICE session each day at a consistent time for 12 weeks, while the control group will continue usual TAI standard-of-care for 12 weeks. Participants and clinicians will discuss both options and participants may choose their treatment, with healthcare professionals advising based on individual needs. Primary outcomes focus on change in satisfaction with daily bowel management (Bothersome Likert scale), with secondary measures including PAC-QOL, constipation symptoms, and hospital economic impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ICE with the MOWOOT device could improve patient satisfaction and reduce constipation symptoms as a non-invasive, at-home alternative to trans-anal irrigation.
How similar studies have gone: Trans-anal irrigation is an established bowel management option and preliminary studies of external abdominal stimulation devices like MOWOOT have shown promising symptom improvements, but randomized comparative evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult people (18 yo or older) of any gender 2. Attending their pre-scheduled on-site visit to the site (The Sir Alan Parks Physiology \& Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Unit \| Central Middlesex Hospital) due to constipation (Symptoms meeting the American College of Gastroenterology definition of chronic constipation: unsatisfactory defaecation characterized by infrequent stool, difficult stool passage or both for at least previous 3 months. 3. Bothered by their constipation 4. Failed biofeedback (in absence of outlet problems) 5. In waiting list to use TAI 6. Able to undertake the treatment with the MOWOOT device or TAI themselves, or with a carer willing to do it 7. Able to understand the study requirements 8. Able to understand written and spoken English (due to questionnaire validity) 9. Able and willing to provide written informed consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: A subject will not be eligible for inclusion in this study if any of the following criteria apply: Disease phenotype exclusion criteria: * Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhoea (IBS-D) or alternating constipation and diarrhoea (IBSmix): (not due to laxative use) * Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) * Significant outlet problem * Trapping rectocele * Intra anal rectal intussusception * External rectal prolapse Device-related exclusion criteria: * Abdominal perimeter ≤65cm or ≥130cm * Unable to independently use the MOWOOT technology, unless a carer is available daily to assist Other medical conditions, medications and contraindications: * Pregnancy or attempt to become pregnant in the next 6 months. * Previous large bowel resection * Active anorexia or bulimia * Active abdominal cancer * Large inguinal or umbilical hernia * Recent abdominal scars, abdominal wounds or skin disorders that may make abdominal massage uncomfortable * Any condition that contraindicates abdominal massage. * Significant abdominal pain * Participation in another parallel interventional clinical trial or less than 2 months from participation in a previous interventional clinical trial * Planned surgery\* if it might be within trial dates (\* minor surgery not affecting adherence to treatment is allowed)
Where it's running
-
The Sir Alan Parks Physiology & Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Unit., Central Hospital, Department of Physiology, St Mark's Hospital, The National Bowel Hospital
London, London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gregory Thomas, MD, PhD — The Sir Alan Parks Physiology & Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Unit | Central Middlesex Hospital
- Study coordinator: Immaculada Herrero-Fresneda, PhD
- Email: ihf@mowoot.com
- Phone: +34 935106653
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Maralixibat for constipation in children with cystic fibrosis
We will try maralixibat for two weeks to see if it softens stools and makes bowel movements easier in children with cystic fibrosis who still have constipation despite their usual laxatives.
-
26-week safety and efficacy test of tenapanor for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation
This 26-week randomized, double-blind study will test whether taking tenapanor twice daily (5, 25, or 50 mg) helps adults with chronic idiopathic constipation compared with a placebo.
-
Measuring prucalopride levels in breast milk of breastfeeding women with constipation
This study is testing how much of the constipation medication prucalopride is found in the breast milk of breastfeeding women to see if it affects their babies.
-
Bowel Irrigation Techniques for Chronic Constipation and Faecal Incontinence
This study tests two transanal irrigation devices in adults with bowel control problems to see which helps more in real-world care.
-
Fecal microbiota transplant with prebiotic nutrition for functional constipation
This will try fecal microbiota transplantation combined with a prebiotic nutrition plan to see if it helps adults aged 18–70 with chronic functional constipation that hasn’t improved with diet or laxatives.
-
Radiation-free imaging to measure intestinal transit time in children
This project will try a radiation-free imaging method (MSOT) with an oral dye plus MRI to measure how quickly stool moves through the intestines in children and teenagers with chronic bowel emptying disorders.
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.