Test capsule "shakes" you into regularity

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Temple University Health is looking for volunteers to test what could be revolutionary technology - a vibrating capsule which could shake someone into regularity.

Chronic constipation is a common problem often overlooked by people and their doctors.

Up to 60 million people, or about 20 per cent of Americans experience it.

It affects more women than men, but they are affected, too,=.

And every year, they sink over a billion dollars into buying more 700 varieties of over-the-counter and prescription laxatives, but with little permanent success.

"You go into any drug store, and you can see all the products, from ordinary laxative, high fiber diets, eventually to medications also," says Dr. Ron Schey, the Temple gastroenterologist leading the local study.

Enter a white capsule called Vibrant.

It's about the size of a large vitamin or fish oil capsule, and is designed to stimulate the large intestine into action.

"It starts vibrating 8 hours after being swallowed, giving it time to reach the colon," says Dr. Schey.

Vibrant shakes for a second and a half 3 times as minute for 8 hours.

Dr. Schey says the 12-week study is fairly simple.

"You just swallow a capsule twice a week, it vibrates, initiates a bowel movement, and hopefully, you feel better," he says.

50% of the volunteers will get the active capsule; 50% will get one that doesn't vibrate.

In Israel, home of the company which makes Vibrant, 26 volunteers in a 7 and a half week study reported a significant increase in movements per week.

Dr. Schey says Vibrant has strong appeals, because of its ease, and that it is not a drug, so there are no chemical side effects.

And developers are hopeful it could be a long-term solution.

"We do believe this capsule, which is very easy to use, could also be used on a chronic basis," says Dr. Schey.

"Some people take vitamin capsules which are bigger than this," he adds.

For more information on the trial, including the pre-screening, call research coordinator Lavette Dibble at 215-707-9900.