Chiarioni, G., Salandini, L., & Whitehead, W.E. (2005). Biofeedback benefits only patients with outlet dysfunction, not patients with isolated slow transit constipation. Gastroenterology, 129, 86–97.
To compare the efficacy of biofeedback in pelvic function dyssynergia–induced constipation (PFD) versus slow transit constipation (STC).
All subjects received five weekly biofeedback lessons and were assessed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Gastroenterology Clinic of the Division of Gastrointestinal Rehabilitation of the University of Verona in Valeggio sul Mincio, Italy
This was a quasi-experimental study.
At six months, greater improvements were seen in patients with PFD compared to those with STC: 71% versus 8% reported improved satisfaction (p = 0.001), and 76% versus 8% reported three or more bowel movements per week (p ≤ 0.001).
Patients with PFD received greater benefit from biofeedback than those with STC.