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Real-time fMRI Biofeedback Targeting the Orbitofrontal Cortex for Contamination Anxiety
Published on: January 20, 2012
Fecal incontinence and biofeedback therapy
1King's College London, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, James Clark Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8WA, UK. christine.s.norton@kcl.ac.uk
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|September 17, 2008
Summary
Biofeedback interventions show promise for fecal incontinence symptom improvement. However, controlled studies indicate the biofeedback component itself may not offer unique benefits over other conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Background:
- Fecal incontinence (FI) significantly impacts quality of life.
- Biofeedback is a common conservative treatment for FI in Western medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the efficacy of the biofeedback component in treating fecal incontinence.
- To assess the superiority of different biofeedback modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical settings and controlled studies on biofeedback for FI.
- Analysis of the biofeedback element within complex care packages.
Main Results:
- Consistent reports of symptom improvement with biofeedback in clinical practice.
- Controlled studies fail to demonstrate specific benefits of the biofeedback element.
- No superiority found for one biofeedback modality over another.
Conclusions:
- Further well-designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are needed.
- Conservative interventions, including but not limited to biofeedback, benefit many FI patients.
- Most patients achieve satisfactory outcomes with conservative management, avoiding invasive options like surgery.
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