Improving slow-transit constipation with transcutaneous electrical stimulation in women: A randomized, comparative...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Slow-transit constipation (STC) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements.
• Current treatments for STC have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) as a treatment for women diagnosed with slow-transit constipation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 28 women diagnosed with STC.
• Participants were assigned to either a TES treatment group or a sham TES control group.
• Interventions involved 20-minute sessions, three times weekly for four weeks, with assessments before and after the treatment period.

Main Results:

• The TES treatment group showed significant reductions in Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) scores and abdominal pain (p < .05).
• The treatment group also experienced a significant increase in weekly defecation frequency (p < .05).
• The control group demonstrated significant reductions in CAS scores and abdominal pain, but no significant change in defecation frequency.

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) appears to be a beneficial intervention for managing symptoms in women with slow-transit constipation.
• TES may offer a non-invasive option for reducing constipation severity and improving bowel regularity.