Systematic review: the management of constipation using physical therapies including biofeedback

Constipation can be a symptom of many diseases and disorders. Functional constipation refers to constipation in the absence of other easily identified diseases or disorders that have a primary or secondary effect on the colon, rectum and anal sphincter. Biofeedback has been suggested as an effective treatment for functional constipation. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of biofeedback for functional constipation identified five trials. All but one of those trials were of low methodological quality and, although the trials in general supported biofeedback treatment for functional constipation, the level of evidence for this recommendation was Grade C. Further robust research is needed to justify investment in, and use of, biofeedback to treat functional constipation.