Related Experiment Videos
Biofeedback training in children with functional constipation. A critical review
1University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Pediatrics, Iowa City 52242-1083, USA.
Insights
Biofeedback training shows promise for childhood constipation in some studies, but controlled trials and adding it after other treatments failed to show benefits. Overall, results for this therapy in children are disappointing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Functional constipation and encopresis are common in children.
- Biofeedback training is a behavioral therapy aimed at improving pelvic floor function.
- Previous uncontrolled studies suggested potential benefits of biofeedback.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback training as an adjunctive therapy for functional constipation and/or encopresis in children.
- To determine if biofeedback offers benefits when added to conventional treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of uncontrolled and controlled studies on biofeedback for pediatric functional constipation/encopresis.
- Analysis of outcomes when biofeedback was added after conventional treatment failure.
Main Results:
- Uncontrolled studies indicated positive outcomes with biofeedback.
- Controlled studies could not confirm these benefits.
- Adding biofeedback after failed conventional therapy did not yield improvements.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of biofeedback for functional constipation and/or encopresis in children is not supported by controlled evidence.
- Current evidence suggests disappointing results for biofeedback in this pediatric population.
Abstract:
Many uncontrolled studies suggest that biofeedback training is an effective adjunctive therapy in improving the outcome of functional constipation and/or encopresis in children. This could not be confirmed in controlled studies. Adding biofeedback training after conventional treatment had failed did not provide benefits. The results of biofeedback treatment in children with functional constipation and/or encopresis are disappointing.