Investigating the Correlation Between Functional Constipation and Sacroiliac Joint Disorders (SIJ disorders)

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue affecting individuals worldwide. Interferential therapy, a form of electrotherapy, has been suggested to have potential benefits in improving gastrointestinal motility and relieving constipation symptoms. Introducing of a new method like electronic cupping therapy with interferential therapy may optimize the therapeutic outcomes by potentially increasing bowel movements and improving overall gastrointestinal function.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Constipation

Detailed Description

Objective: The purpose of this study was to Investigate the correlation between functional constipation and sacroiliac joint disorders Methods: This study involved 200 patients with chronic constipation, consisting of 120 females and 80 males, ranging in age from 25 to 60 years. All participants were allocated into two groups: Group (A) patients with constipation, Group (B) patients without constipation

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 200

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Giza Governorate
    • October City, Giza Governorate, Egypt, 6892
      • Bassam Ahmed Nabil

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

male and female participant

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inclusion Criteria:
• history of Chronic Constipation (CC), as defined by either experiencing two or fewer Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBMs) per week for a minimum of 6 consecutive months before the screening visit
• Reporting a sensation of incomplete evacuation or straining during at least a quarter of their bowel movements (according to the generally accepted definition of constipation).
• Patients must have had CC persisting for more than 6 months, failed to respond to or be intolerant of medical treatment for at least 3 months

Inclusion Criteria (for group B):

Not having functional constipation

Exclusion Criteria:

• - pregnant or lactating women
• Chronic Constipation (CC) resulting from anorectal malformations such as colorectal or anal organic lesions, pelvic floor disorders requiring surgical intervention as determined by the investigator (such as rectal prolapse, rectocele, or enterocele)
• presence of implanted electronic devices like cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, cardiac pumps, or spinal stimulators
• CC attributable to medications or neurologic, endocrine, or metabolic conditions
• prior history of partial colectomy; conditions like megacolon, megarectum, or colonic inertia
• skin abnormalities that hinder the placement of electrodes
• women lacking adequate contraception (hormonal or intrauterine device).

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
group A: Patients with constipation; Both the rectum and the sacroiliac joint share innervation from sacral spinal segments S2-S4. Neural signals from the rectum can influence SI joint sensory nerves via viscerosomatic and somatovisceral reflex arcs. This means chronic constipation may both result from and contribute to SI joint dysfunction.
group B: Patients without constipation; Accumulated stool in the rectum and sigmoid colon can physically press on pelvic structures, stretching ligaments and tensioning muscles around the SI joint. This may trigger or mimic SI joint dysfunction.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Distraction Test (SI Joint Gapping)	Position of patient: Supine. force: posterior-lateral force to both ASISs at same time results: pain in SI region	6 months
Thigh Thrust Test	Position of patient: Supine, hip and knee of affected side flexed 90°. force: Stabilize opposite ASIS, apply posterior force through femur. result: Focal SI pain.	6 months
Sacral Thrust Test	Position of patient: Prone. force: Apply an anterior shear force to sacrum (over S2). result: Reproduction of pain in SI region.	6 months

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Middle East University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 10, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 1, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 14, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): January 15, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 15, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 14, 2026
• Last Verified: January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: constipation; sacroiliac joint disorders
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Signs and Symptoms, Digestive; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Constipation
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2517

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No