# Task-Dependent Cortical Oscillatory Dynamics in Functional Constipation

## TL;DR

This study finds that people with functional constipation have distinct brain wave patterns during specific tasks, suggesting a brain-gut connection in the condition.

## Contribution

The study provides direct neurophysiological evidence linking cortical oscillatory dynamics to functional constipation.

## Key findings

- FC patients showed increased alpha activity during resting and defecation-related tasks.
- Temporal gamma was reduced during defecation-related tasks in FC patients.
- Altered global network properties were observed in FC patients during resting and defecation tasks.

## Abstract

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder thought to arise from the brain–gut axis dysfunction, yet direct human neurophysiological evidence is lacking. We recorded high-density electroencephalography (EEG) data in 21 FC patients and 37 healthy controls across resting, cognitive, and defecation-related tasks. We observed that FC patients displayed a consistent, task-dependent signature compared with healthy controls. At the regional level, FC patients exhibited increased alpha during both resting and defecation-related tasks, reduced temporal gamma during defecation-related tasks, as well as elevated temporal theta during the cognitive task. At the global level, we found altered network properties, such as global efficiency in the delta and beta band networks during resting and defecation-related tasks. These findings establish a direct neurophysiological link between specific, condition-dependent perturbations in cortical rhythm activity and FC pathophysiology. Our work implicates the brain–gut axis in symptom generation and opens a path toward EEG-based biomarkers and targeted neuromodulatory therapies.