Faculty Collaboration Database

Implementation of a Defecation Posture Modification Device: Impact on Bowel Movement Patterns in Healthy Subjects. J Clin Gastroenterol 2019 Mar;53(3):216-219

Date

10/23/2018

Pubmed ID

30346317

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6382038

DOI

10.1097/MCG.0000000000001143

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85061294921 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   18 Citations

Abstract

GOALS: The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of defecation postural modification devices (DPMDs) on normal bowel patterns.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of DPMDs has brought increased awareness to bowel habits in western populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective crossover study of volunteers was performed that included real-time collection of data regarding bowel movements (BMs) for 4 weeks (first 2 wk without DPMD and subsequent 2 wk with DPMD). Primary outcomes of interest included BM duration, straining, and bowel emptiness with and without DPMD use.

RESULTS: In total, 52 participants (mean age, 29 y and 40.1% female) were recruited for this study. At baseline 15 subjects (28.8%) reported incomplete emptying, 23 subjects (44.2%) had increased straining, and 29 subjects (55.8%) noticed blood on their toilet paper in the past year. A total of 1119 BMs were recorded (735 without DPMD and 384 with DPMD). Utilizing the DPMD resulted in increased bowel emptiness (odds ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.78-4.77) and reduced straining patterns (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.18-0.30). Moreover, without the DPMD, participants had an increase in BM duration (fold increase, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17-1.33).

CONCLUSIONS: DPMDs positively influenced BM duration, straining patterns, and complete evacuation of bowels in this study.

Author List

Modi RM, Hinton A, Pinkhas D, Groce R, Meyer MM, Balasubramanian G, Levine E, Stanich PP

Author

Gokulakrishnan Balasubramanian MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Bathroom Equipment
Cross-Over Studies
Defecation
Equipment Design
Female
Healthy Volunteers
Humans
Male
Posture
Prospective Studies