Balloon trick may unlock better bowel training for constipation sufferers

NCT ID NCT07705542

First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether inflating a small balloon during biofeedback therapy helps people with chronic constipation coordinate their muscles better. Biofeedback therapy teaches patients how to relax and tighten the right muscles to have a bowel movement. The study compares the standard approach (balloon deflated) with a modified approach where the balloon is inflated to mimic the natural urge to go. Ten participants will have their muscle coordination measured to see which method works best.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
biofeedback therapy with balloon inflated to defecatory desire volume
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple modification in biofeedback therapy that improves bowel coordination and quality of life for people with chronic constipation.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefit of inflating the balloon may be minimal or not noticeable.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hull University Teaching Hospitals

    RECRUITING

    Hull, HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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