Osteopathic treatment for constipation in Parkinson's disease

Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine on Constipation in Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional New York Institute of Technology · NCT02344485

This study is testing if osteopathic treatment can help people with Parkinson's disease who are struggling with constipation feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNew York Institute of Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Old Westbury, New York)
Trial IDNCT02344485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) on alleviating constipation symptoms in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo OMM treatment during the second half of an eleven-week trial, with assessments of constipation severity and quality of life conducted throughout the study. Additionally, optional stool samples will be collected to analyze changes in gut and oral bacterial flora. The study aims to provide insights into the efficacy of OMM in managing constipation associated with Parkinson's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 40 years old with a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and constipation.

Not a fit: Patients with other diagnosed causes of chronic constipation or additional neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for managing constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes of OMM in improving constipation symptoms in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Medically diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
* Medically diagnosed with constipation (according to Rome III criteria)
* Be over 40 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* No diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
* No diagnosis of constipation that satisfies Rome III criteria
* Medically diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome
* Another diagnosed cause for chronic constipation
* Currently pregnant
* Have another diagnosed neurologic condition (excluding headache or migraine, headache, migraine, dysautonomia, depression or other mood disorders (unless severe or uncontrolled), dementia or cognitive changes (unless severe), diffuse lewy body dementia, REM sleep behavior disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus, multiple system atrophy P and C types, progressive supranuclear palsy, vascular parkinsonism, corticobasal ganglionic degeneration, and drug induced parkinsonism)
* Spinal cord abnormality or lesion
* Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, or pelvis
* Anemia that has not been evaluated
* Unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, rectal bleeding, or black stools in past 2 months
* Active hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, or enlarged spleen
* Abdominal aortic aneurysm
* Congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract
* Abdominal or pelvic surgery within the past 6 weeks
* Unable or unwilling to receive OMT.
* Unable or unwilling to rate one's own stools using a visual chart or to bring a picture of one's stool to each visit

Where this trial is running

Old Westbury, New York

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 Parkinson's DiseaseConstipation
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.