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The effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy
Bulent Elbasan1, Sabiha Bezgin2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Reflexology combined with neurodevelopmental therapy improved constipation in children with cerebral palsy. Both therapies enhanced motor functions, but reflexology specifically eased constipation symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) impacts motor function and can cause constipation.
- Limited evidence exists on reflexology's effect on CP-related constipation and motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of combining reflexology with neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) on constipation and motor functions in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Forty children (3-15 years) with CP (GMFCS levels 3-5) were divided into two groups.
- Group 1 received NDT; Group 2 received NDT plus reflexology for 8 weeks.
- Motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM); constipation was evaluated with the Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS).
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant improvements in GMFM scores post-therapy.
- The group receiving NDT with reflexology demonstrated a significant decrease in MCAS scores, indicating reduced constipation.
Conclusions:
- NDT effectively improved motor performance in children with CP.
- Adding reflexology to NDT positively impacted constipation in this population.
- Reflexology is suggested as a complementary therapy for children with CP experiencing constipation.
Background:
There is no evidence regarding the effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. This study was planned to investigate the effects of reflexology combined with neurodevelopmental therapy on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.
Methods:
Forty children between the ages of 3 and 15 years with cerebral palsy within levels 3/4/5 according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. While children in Group 1 received neurodevelopmental therapy, children in Group 2 also received reflexology. The therapy continued for two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each session of neurodevelopmental therapy lasted for 45-60 min and reflexology took around 20 min. Motor performance of the children was evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) while constipation was assessed with the Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS).
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvements in the GMFM scores after therapy (<0.001). In the group where neurodevelopmental therapy was applied together with reflexology, there was a decrease in MCAS scores (<0.001).
Conclusion:
NGT improved motor performance in both groups and adding reflexology to therapy had a positive effect on constipation. We suggest applying reflexology to children with cerebral palsy who experience constipation problems.
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