Non-instrumental biofeedback for fecal incontinence and constipation issues

Tratamiento de la Incontinencia Fecal y Los Trastornos Funcionales de la defecación Mediante Biofeedback no Instrumental

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · NCT06273046

This study is testing if non-instrumental biofeedback techniques can help people with fecal incontinence and constipation feel better compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT06273046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-instrumental biofeedback techniques in treating fecal incontinence and functional defecation disorders. It involves cognitive interventions using audiovisual programs designed specifically for managing anorectal functional disorders. Patients will be divided into two groups based on their condition: those with fecal incontinence and those with dyssynergic defecation. The study will assess the efficacy of these techniques compared to a placebo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients experiencing fecal incontinence with at least four episodes in the last two weeks or those with constipation characterized by less than three bowel movements per week.

Not a fit: Patients with organic digestive diseases, neurological disorders, or a history of certain colorectal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a less invasive and more cost-effective treatment option for patients suffering from fecal incontinence and constipation.

How similar studies have performed: While instrumental biofeedback has been established, this non-instrumental approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Incontinence studies

* Patients who have at least 4 episodes of fecal incontinence during the last 14 days.
* Patients able to follow instructions and attend study visits.

Dyssinergic defecation studies

* Patients with constipation who present less than 3 complete spontaneous bowel movements per week and/or who have Bristol 1 or Bristol 2 type stools in more than 25% of the bowel movements in the 2 weeks prior to the study
* Patients able to follow instructions and attend study visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with organic digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, gastro-duodenal ulcer...
* Patients with neurological diseases (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease).
* Patients with previous of active colon and/or rectal cancer.
* Patients with rectal fistula.
* Patients with rectal prolapse.
* Patients with total colectomy.
* Patients who have had any radiation to the pelvis in the last month.

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Fecal IncontinenceOutlet Dysfunction Constipation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.