The investigators are testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the rectum on colonic motility.
The investigators are testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the rectum on colonic motility.
Therefore, this study will compare the two methods. If electrical stimulation effectively improves colonic motility, then the investigator shall develop the approach as a therapeutic intervention in future studies.
About This Study
Compare changes in colonic pressure in response to electrical rectal stimulation versus mechanical rectal distension. Two interventions will be tested, including the clinical standard of digital rectal stimulation and a novel approach using electrical stimulation of rectal sensory afferents, to determine the effect on colonic pressure. Increased colonic pressure will indicate successful modulation of neural pathways to increase bowel activity and thereby facilitate defecation in individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
Study Information
Electrical stimulation of the rectum will be applied to activate sensory afferent neurons of the rectum and evoke a recto-colonic reflex to improve colonic motility. This intervention will be compared to participants’ usual mechanical intervention of the digital rectal stimulation.
Detailed program information and criteria available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02641483?term=%22bourbeau%22+%22cleveland%22&rank=1
Narrative
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