Can a simple massage and habit change ease chronic constipation?
NCT ID NCT06359249
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This trial tests whether a primary care program combining behavioral re-education (habit changes) and self-administered abdominal massage can reduce symptoms of chronic constipation. It includes 45 adults diagnosed with chronic idiopathic constipation. The study measures changes in constipation severity, stool characteristics, quality of life, and laxative use over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A structured program combining behavioral re-education (habit changes) with self-administered abdominal massage
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this drug-free program could offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce constipation symptoms and laxative use, improving quality of life for many.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial, so results may not apply broadly. The program's success depends on participants sticking to the routine, and it may not work for everyone.
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
-
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
-
About 45 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 75 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Having been diagnosed with primary constipation using Rome IV Criteria(11), of more than three months' duration. * Understanding Catalan, Spanish or English. Exclusion Criteria: * Having constipation secondary to neurogenic, metabolic, endocrine or postoperative diseases. * Having constipation secondary to medication for other pathologies, the medication list for which can be found in the annex. * Having any type of open abdominal and/or anal wound, such as a recent abdominal scar or anal fissure. * Meeting any absolute contraindication criteria for the use of abdominal massage therapy, such as an unstable fracture requiring absolute rest and immobilisation, pregnancy or active oncological procedures. * Suffering from some type of cognitive, psychiatric or neurological alteration that does not allow to understand the project.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Constipation chronic idiopathic are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
Locations
-
Cristina Segura Bayona
Igualada, Barcelona, 08700, Spain
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.