Optimization of Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA) Modalities for Treatment of IBS-C
Condition: IBS; Constipation
MeSH terms: Constipation
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study aims to determine the most effective treatment with Transcutaneous Electrical
      Acustimulation (TEA) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) by comparing
      efficacy between 5 separate sessions. The rectum pressure as measured by a device called a
      barostat will be compared between visits. Each session will be testing a different
      combination of frequency and body position of the electrodes. Electrodes placed at either the
      wrist or knee will be stimulated at either 25 Hz or 100 Hz.
    

Detailed description: 
      This study aims to discern whether acute, single-session Transcutaneous Electrical
      Acustimulation (TEA) at acupuncture points ST36 or PC6 will relieve abdominal pain induced by
      rectal distension in patients with IBS-C. Each study participant will have 5 research visits
      at the Michigan Medicine GI physiology lab. During these visits, participants will undergo a
      procedure similar to Anal Rectal Manometry (ARM) performed by the GI physiology lab staff.
      TEA is similar to this procedure as it uses the barostat device and is performed by the GI
      physiology lab staff. This device has a rubber catheter that will be inserted 5-15 cm into
      the rectum of the study participant. Then the GI physiology staff will inflate the catheter.
      Study participants will then be asked when they can sense the catheter. Then the GI
      physiology staff will continue to inflate the catheter and the study participants feel
      discomfort (described as the 'urge to defecate'). Then the study participant will be asked to
      pass the balloon (like they would pass a bowel movement).

      The difference between ARM procedure and the study procedure is that there will be
      stimulation of acupuncture point ST36 which is below the knee cap or stimulation of
      acupuncture point PC6 which is just above the wrist. For this study, this mild electrical
      stimulation will occur simultaneously with the barostat procedure.

      At each visit there will be stimulation of only one of the points at either 100Hz or 25Hz.
      These are the potential combinations: ST36 100Hz, ST36-25Hz, PC6-100Hz, PC6-25Hz, Sham-TEA.

      The frequency and position combination (or sham visit) is randomly assigned. The
      randomization determines the order in which the study participant moves through the study.
      Every study participant will, in the end, complete one visit at each frequency and a sham
      visit. The study participant will also complete surveys at the appointment.

      The TEA device is classified by the FDA as a non-significant risk device.
    

Intervention name(s): Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA)
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): Each participant will undergo 5 sessions total at two different frequencies (25 Hz and 100Hz) with electrodes placed at two different locations (wrist and knee) and a placebo session.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment