Use of a Squatting Assist Device in Patients With Constipation

Inclusion criteria: * Able to communicate adequately with the investigator and to comply with the requirements for the entire study * Meet Rome III criteria for functional constipation as assessed by questionnaires in period 1, i.e., report at least 2 of the following symptoms for last 3 months or more with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis: a) \<3 SBMs/week b) hard or lumpy stools ≥ 25% of time c) straining ≥ 25% of time d) sense of incomplete evacuation ≥ 25% of time e) feeling of anorectal blockage ≥ 25% of time or f) manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation ≥ 25% of time. Patients who meet Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome will also be eligible provided they also meet above criteria. Exclusion criteria: * Clinical evidence of significant cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal. hematological, neurological, psychiatric or other disease that may interfere with the objectives of the study and/or pose safety concerns. * History of total, hemi- or subtotal colectomy at any time or other abdominal operations within 60 days prior to entry into the study. Segmental resection of the colon (e.g. sigmoid resection) for diverticulitis will be permitted. * Current or past history of colon or rectal cancer, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, congenital anorectal abnormalities, rectal prolapse, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, history of rectal resection or pelvic irradiation * Active cancer * Pregnant or nursing women, prison…