Fecal IncontinenceNCT00124904
Biofeedback for Fecal Incontinence
A study testing Biofeedback and Kegel exercises in people with Fecal Incontinence, run by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Fecal incontinence affects 2% of adults in the United States. Biofeedback has been recommended for the treatment of fecal incontinence because uncontrolled studies over the past 25 years suggest that these treatments are as effective as medical or surgical management and involve no risk. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Fecal Incontinence
- What is being tested?
- Biofeedback and Kegel exercises
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 165 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Sep 1999to Dec 2006
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 16 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Males or females age 16 or above who have an average of one or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week
Who cannot join
- Previous biofeedback treatment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of North Carolina Department of Medicine
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
About this study
Official title: Biofeedback for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
Fecal incontinence affects 2% of adults in the United States. Biofeedback has been recommended for the treatment of fecal incontinence because uncontrolled studies over the past 25 years suggest that these treatments are as effective as medical or surgical management and involve no risk. However, placebo-controlled trials are still lacking.
The aims of this study are: (1) to compare biofeedback to alternative therapies for which patients have a similar expectation of benefit; (2) to identify which patients are most likely to benefit; and (3) to assess the impact of treatment on quality of life.
Read the detailed description
Study I is a long-term, prospective, single-blind study comparing biofeedback for fecal incontinence to a standard therapy (Kegel exercises) that is associated with a similar expectation of improvement (i.e., comparable placebo effect). Prior to randomization, patients will receive medical therapy (antidiarrheal medications as appropriate) and education for 4 weeks, and only patients who remain incontinent will be randomized. Anal canal squeeze pressures and rectal sensory thresholds will be tested before and after treatment. Patients will keep a diary throughout baseline and treatment, and they will be re-assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Treatment will consist of 6 clinic visits at 2-week intervals. The primary outcome is the patient's response to the question, "Have you had satisfactory relief of fecal incontinence (yes/no)?" This question is asked at 3 months following the end of treatment and at each follow-up visit. The investigators will develop a detailed treatment manual for fecal incontinence which would permit other investigators to replicate our study.
- Conditions
- Fecal Incontinence
- Being tested
- Biofeedback, Kegel exercises
- Keywords
- Biofeedback, Incontinence
- Medical subject headings
- Fecal Incontinence
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
BiofeedbackBehavioural
Kegel exercisesBehavioural
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Proportion of subjects reporting adequate relief per treatment group
Secondary outcomes (2)
Demonstrate association of improvement in quality of life with treatment outcome
Identify predictors of successful treatment outcome
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jul 2005 (estimated)
- Study startSep 1999
- Study completionDec 2006
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Fecal IncontinenceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)The sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Enrolment
- 165 participants
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- US National Institutes of Health
- Investigators
- William E Whitehead, PhD, Principal investigator, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00124904
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RO1 DK57048a (completed)
- Other IDs
- R01DK057048
- Status last verified
- Jan 2010
- First submitted
- 27 Jul 2005
- Last updated
- 13 Jan 2010
- Results posted
- No
Publications
Palsson OS, Heymen S, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback treatment for functional anorectal disorders: a comprehensive efficacy review. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2004 Sep;29(3):153-74. doi: 10.1023/b:apbi.0000039055.18609.64.
PubMed 15497616Heymen S. Psychological and cognitive variables affecting treatment outcomes for urinary and fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology. 2004 Jan;126(1 Suppl 1):S146-51. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.040.
PubMed 14978652Jones KR, Heymen S, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback for Anorectal Disorders. In: Drutz HP, Herschorn S, Diamant NE (Eds), Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. London, Springer-Verlag, 2003. Pp 313-325.
Whitehead WE, Heymen S, Schuster MM. Motility as a therapeutic modality: biofeedback treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Chapter 27. In MM Schuster, MD Crowell, KL Koch (Eds.), Schuster Atlas of Gastrointestinal Motility in Health and Disease. London, BC Decker Inc. 2002; 381-397.
Heymen S, Jones KR, Ringel Y, Scarlett Y, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback treatment of fecal incontinence: a critical review. Dis Colon Rectum. 2001 May;44(5):728-36. doi: 10.1007/BF02234575.
PubMed 11357037Heymen S, Jones KR, Ringel Y, Scarlett Y, Drossman D, Whitehead WE (abstract). Biofeedback for fecal incontinence and constipation: the role of medical management and education. Gastro 2001 (suppl 1):120, A397.
Scarlett Y. Medical management of fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology. 2004 Jan;126(1 Suppl 1):S55-63. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.007.
PubMed 14978639Heymen S, Scarlett Y, Whitehead WE. Education and medical management resolve fecal incontinence in 35%, but depression and greater symptom severity predict a poor response. Am J Gastroenterol Suppl 2004;99:T1374.
Heymen S, Scarlett Y, and Whitehead WE. Elevated Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scores Predict Biofeedback Treatment Failure for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation (abstract). Gastroenterology 2003,124:4(suppl 1)A-685.
Vonthein R, Heimerl T, Schwandner T, Ziegler A. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback for the treatment of fecal incontinence: a systematic review. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2013 Nov;28(11):1567-77. doi: 10.1007/s00384-013-1739-0. Epub 2013 Jul 31.
PubMed 23900652
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Jan 2010. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Biofeedback for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00124904
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RO1 DK57048a (completed)
- Conditions
- Fecal Incontinence
- Keywords
- Biofeedback, Incontinence
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 165 participants
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)US National Institutes of Health
- Study start
- Sep 1999
- Study completion
- Dec 2006
- First posted
- 28 Jul 2005 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Fecal incontinence affects 2% of adults in the United States. Biofeedback has been recommended for the treatment of fecal incontinence because uncontrolled studies over the past 25 years suggest that these treatments are as effective as medical or surgical management and involve no risk. However, placebo-controlled trials are still lacking.
The aims of this study are: (1) to compare biofeedback to alternative therapies for which patients have a similar expectation of benefit; (2) to identify which patients are most likely to benefit; and (3) to assess the impact of treatment on quality of life.
Detailed description
Study I is a long-term, prospective, single-blind study comparing biofeedback for fecal incontinence to a standard therapy (Kegel exercises) that is associated with a similar expectation of improvement (i.e., comparable placebo effect). Prior to randomization, patients will receive medical therapy (antidiarrheal medications as appropriate) and education for 4 weeks, and only patients who remain incontinent will be randomized. Anal canal squeeze pressures and rectal sensory thresholds will be tested before and after treatment. Patients will keep a diary throughout baseline and treatment, and they will be re-assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Treatment will consist of 6 clinic visits at 2-week intervals. The primary outcome is the patient's response to the question, "Have you had satisfactory relief of fecal incontinence (yes/no)?" This question is asked at 3 months following the end of treatment and at each follow-up visit. The investigators will develop a detailed treatment manual for fecal incontinence which would permit other investigators to replicate our study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Males or females age 16 or above who have an average of one or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Previous biofeedback treatment
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Biofeedback | Behavioural | – |
| Kegel exercises | Behavioural | – |
Primary outcome
Proportion of subjects reporting adequate relief per treatment group
2 secondary outcomes
Demonstrate association of improvement in quality of life with treatment outcome
Identify predictors of successful treatment outcome
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jan 2010.
- Background: PubMed 15497616Palsson OS, Heymen S, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback treatment for functional anorectal disorders: a comprehensive efficacy review. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2004 Sep;29(3):153-74. doi: 10.1023/b:apbi.0000039055.18609.64.
- Background: PubMed 14978652Heymen S. Psychological and cognitive variables affecting treatment outcomes for urinary and fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology. 2004 Jan;126(1 Suppl 1):S146-51. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.040.
- BackgroundJones KR, Heymen S, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback for Anorectal Disorders. In: Drutz HP, Herschorn S, Diamant NE (Eds), Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. London, Springer-Verlag, 2003. Pp 313-325.
- BackgroundWhitehead WE, Heymen S, Schuster MM. Motility as a therapeutic modality: biofeedback treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Chapter 27. In MM Schuster, MD Crowell, KL Koch (Eds.), Schuster Atlas of Gastrointestinal Motility in Health and Disease. London, BC Decker Inc. 2002; 381-397.
- Background: PubMed 11357037Heymen S, Jones KR, Ringel Y, Scarlett Y, Whitehead WE. Biofeedback treatment of fecal incontinence: a critical review. Dis Colon Rectum. 2001 May;44(5):728-36. doi: 10.1007/BF02234575.
- BackgroundHeymen S, Jones KR, Ringel Y, Scarlett Y, Drossman D, Whitehead WE (abstract). Biofeedback for fecal incontinence and constipation: the role of medical management and education. Gastro 2001 (suppl 1):120, A397.
- Results publication: PubMed 14978639Scarlett Y. Medical management of fecal incontinence. Gastroenterology. 2004 Jan;126(1 Suppl 1):S55-63. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.10.007.
- Results publicationHeymen S, Scarlett Y, Whitehead WE. Education and medical management resolve fecal incontinence in 35%, but depression and greater symptom severity predict a poor response. Am J Gastroenterol Suppl 2004;99:T1374.
- Results publicationHeymen S, Scarlett Y, and Whitehead WE. Elevated Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scores Predict Biofeedback Treatment Failure for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation (abstract). Gastroenterology 2003,124:4(suppl 1)A-685.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 23900652Vonthein R, Heimerl T, Schwandner T, Ziegler A. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback for the treatment of fecal incontinence: a systematic review. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2013 Nov;28(11):1567-77. doi: 10.1007/s00384-013-1739-0. Epub 2013 Jul 31.
- Center websiteLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
William E Whitehead, PhD principal investigator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Biofeedback and Kegel exercises in people with Fecal Incontinence, run by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Jan 2010. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Proportion of subjects reporting adequate relief per treatment group. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00124904, which also lists 10 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Jan 2010.