We are pleased to announce the FIRST HANDS-ON COURSE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ABDOMINAL DISTENSION, which will take place in Barcelona, May 30-31, 2025.
In the gastroenterological clinical practice, abdominal distention is a common cause of consultation, as a somatic manifestation of disorders of gut-brain interaction. Research indicates that visible abdominal distension in these patients, results from a dysfunction of the normal thoraco-abdominal muscular coordination. Specifically, a diaphragmatic push (increased tone and descent of the diaphragm), coupled with reduced tone and protrusion of the anterior abdominal wall, results in visible abdominal distension. This mechanism is termed abdominophrenic dyssynergia.
Placebo-controlled studies have shown that biofeedback techniques, using either electromyography or inductance plethysmography, are effective in reducing abdominal distension in these patients. However, due to the complexity of these techniques, their availability is restricted to a minority of privileged patients in specialized laboratories.
Pressed by this universal need, or group has concentrated in the development of non-instrumental techniques, appropriate to be delivered to the patients on an office-based set-up without special equipment, and hence, for widespread application. The course is primarily addressed to gastroenterologist.
Learning objectives:
Participants will learn
- The mechanisms and muscular dysfunctions involved in abdominal distention.
- The theoretical principles to revert and prevent these dysfunctions.
- The practical application of these principles by non-instrumental biofeedback techniques.
- The know-how to perform these treatments in their own clinic without special equipment.
- Clinical applications and research directions.
Venue located in the unique modernist Barcelona downtown, close to the medieval gothic area.
We expect the course will meet your interests, and look forward to hosting you in Barcelona.
Fernando Azpiroz & Jordi Serra