The Utility of Virtual Reality in the Management of Pediatric Functional Constipation With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

The Utility of Virtual Reality in the Management of Pediatric Functional Constipation With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

1. To determine if the adjunctive use of a Virtual Reality (VR) module on diaphragmatic breathing (DB) can improve the quality of life (QOL) and symptoms of children with functional constipation (FC) with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) who are receiving standard of care treatment.
2. To assess if a VR module on DB can decrease healthcare utilization for children with FC with PFD.

The investigators will assess if the use a Virtual Reality (VR) module on diaphragmatic breathing (DB) can improve quality of life, constipation symptoms, and decrease healthcare utilization for children with functional constipation (FC) with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). FC is a common pediatric condition with a high prevalence and $4.25 billion yearly in healthcare expenditures. FC is often complicated with PFD as seen through stool withholding behaviors. Children with FC with PFD are referred to occupational therapy for biofeedback and DB training as standard of care. Occupational therapy uses to teach children with FC with PFD to relax their abdominal muscles, and subsequently their pelvic floor muscles, facilitating a more complete bowel evacuation. VR is a technology currently employed in rehabilitation services, anesthesiology and surgery. VR can provide a fun, immersive environment with a feedback component for children with FC to learn DB effectively and build a positive association with toileting.

The purpose of this study is to examine if a virtual reality module that teaches children diaphragmatic breathing through an immersive game can improve the quality of life and decrease health care utilization for children with functional constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 7 to 21 years old
• Meets Rome IV criteria for functional constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction
• Developmentally appropriate to understand verbal instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Co-existing medical conditions that include inflammatory bowel disease, Hirschsprung's Disease, cystic fibrosis, tethered cord, anal stenosis, sacral agenesis, spinal cord anomalies, untreated thyroid disease, untreated celiac disease, neurogenic bowel, cerebral palsy, major bowel surgery.
• Non-English speaking