Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Pharmacologic/Probiotic Interventions for Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

140 participantsStarted 2025-09

Plain-language summary

What is the study about? This study is for adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) who suffer from chronic visceral pain. We aim to investigate whether combining two different treatment approaches is more effective in alleviating IBS-D symptoms than either treatment alone. The first treatment is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), while the second treatment involves either an intestinal antispasmodic medication (Pinaverium Bromide) or a probiotic (Bifidobacterium). What will participants do? Participants will be randomly assigned by a computer to one of four groups: 1. Group 1: Receive real rTMS sessions + take Pinaverium Bromide pills. 2. Group 2: Receive real rTMS sessions + take Bifidobacterium pills. 3. Group 3: Receive fake (sham) rTMS sessions + take Pinaverium Bromide pills. 4. Group 4: Receive fake (sham) rTMS sessions + take Bifidobacterium pills. Neither the participant nor the doctor giving the treatments will know which group the participant is in for the rTMS part (this is called "blinding"). The study will involve several weeks of treatment and follow-up visits to track symptoms. What are the potential benefits and risks? Potential Benefits: Participants may experience a reduction in their abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other IBS symptoms. However, benefit cannot be guaranteed. The information from this study may help other IBS patients in the future. Potential Risks: rTMS is generally safe but may cause mild headache, scalp discomfort, or lightheadedness. The medications may have side effects like any drug, which will be explained in detail before the study starts. Why is this study important? This is the first study to test how brain stimulation and gut-focused treatments work together for IBS pain. The results could lead to new and more effective combination therapies for people who don't get enough relief from current treatments.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: (I)Age range 18-75 years (either sex) (II)Fulfilling the Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis (III)Bristol stool type 6-7 in \>25% and type 1-2 in \<25% of bowel movements (IV)Patients experienced Bristol stool type 6 or 7 on ≥4 days with mean abdominal pain score ≥3 during the initial 2-week period Exclusion Criteria: (I)Documented organic gastrointestinal pathology; endocrinologic or metabolic diseases with known gastrointestinal motility effects including diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism; previous surgical interventions involving abdominal cavity intestinal tract or anal region (II)current use of any medication with documented effects on gastrointestinal motility or secretory function; administration of concurrent therapies or pharmacologic agents capable of confounding treatment efficacy or safety evaluations (III)pregnancy lactation or postpartum status within 12 months (IV)noncompliance with randomized treatment allocation or demonstrated poor adherence tendencies

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of participants with composite response

Timeframe: At Week 2 (end of treatment)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07172139

SponsorRui Li

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04

Contact for this trial

Rui Li, PhD

+86 13771725877 lrhcsz@163.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) trials