Unlocking the secrets of constipation: better tests on the horizon?
NCT ID NCT03842007
First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Summary
This study aims to understand why constipation occurs and improve diagnostic tests. Researchers will use specialized tools like a rectal balloon and pressure sensors to measure how the rectum and anus work during bowel movements. The study includes healthy volunteers and people with chronic constipation, aged 18-80. By comparing these groups, they hope to identify key differences that can lead to more accurate diagnoses.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Diagnostic procedures including rectal barostat study and fecoflowmetry
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better diagnostic tests for constipation, helping doctors identify the underlying causes more accurately.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a treatment. Results may not directly change clinical practice, and the procedures may be uncomfortable.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2019
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Male and female volunteers aged 18-80 years. * Able to provide written informed consent before participating in the study. * Able to communicate adequately with the investigator and to comply with the requirements for the entire study. * Individuals with chronic constipation for 1 year, with 2 or more of the following symptoms for 3 months or longer: \<3 bowel motions/week, straining ≥ 25% of time, hard or lumpy stools ≥ 25% of time, anal digitation ≥ 25% of time, incomplete evacuation ≥ 25% of time, feeling of anorectal blockage ≥ 25% of time. * Able to provide written informed consent before participating in the study. * Able to communicate adequately with the investigator and to comply with the requirements for the entire study. Exclusion Criteria * Clinical evidence of significant cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, hematological, neurological, psychiatric or other disease that may interfere with the objectives of the study and/or pose safety concerns. * Current symptoms of a functional gastrointestinal disorder assessed by questionnaire. * Putative risk factors for pelvic floor trauma: i.e. six or more vaginal deliveries, birthweight \>4500gms (macrosomia), or known 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear. * Medications that are likely to alter gastrointestinal motility: e.g., opiates and anticholinergic medications; a stable dose of thyroxine and low doses of tricyclic agents (e.g., up to amitriptyline (50 mg daily). * Active rectal inflammation, cancer; perianal sepsis; history of pelvic radiation, rectosigmoid surgery or inflammatory bowel disease.\* * Anxiety or depression as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire. * Pregnant women, prisoners and institutionalized individuals.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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