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Effectiveness of structured physiotherapy in constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders-a randomized
Sayali Joshi1, Sanjay Parmar1, Akshay Kalavant2
1SDM College of Physiotherapy, SDM University, Dharwad, India.
Insights
Structured physiotherapy significantly improved constipation and quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), outperforming conventional therapy alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent issue in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).
- Current treatments for NDD-related constipation have varying degrees of effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured physiotherapy program for constipation in children with NDD.
- To compare the combined effect of structured and conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy alone.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 35 children with NDD, with 22 completing a 2-week intervention.
- Children were divided into two groups: conventional physiotherapy (Group A) and conventional plus structured physiotherapy (Group B).
- Outcomes measured included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale, Bristol Stool Form Scale, and defecation frequency.
Main Results:
- Group A showed no significant improvements.
- Group B demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all measured outcomes.
- Significant changes were observed in PedsQL GI symptoms scale (p=0.045), its constipation sub-scale (p=0.002), and Bristol stool form in Group B.
Conclusions:
- The combination of structured and conventional physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone for managing constipation in children with NDD.
- This combined approach improves stool form, constipation symptoms, and related quality of life factors.
Introduction:
Constipation is one of the major issues faced by children with neuro-developmental disorder (NDD). The aims of the study were to: 1) examine the effectiveness of a structured physiotherapy program on constipation in children with NDD; and 2) compare if conventional physiotherapy along with structured physiotherapy intervention has any combined effect on constipation in children with NDD.
Method:
Thirty-five children with neurodevelopmental disorder were assessed and randomly allotted into two groups. Twenty-two completed the intervention for 2 weeks and were statistically analyzed at baseline and post 4 weeks at a single tertiary center. The outcome measures used were Pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL), Peds QL Gastrointestinal symptoms scale, Bristol stool form scale, and defecation frequency. Group A received the conventional treatment, whereas group B received structured physiotherapy along with the conventional treatment.
Results:
Group A had no significant outcomes, whereas in group B there were statistically significant differences for all outcome measures. Comparatively, a statistically significant change was noted for PedsQL GI symptoms scale (p = .045) and its constipation sub-scale (p = .002) in group B along with change in the Bristol stool form.
Conclusion:
Combined effect of structured along with conventional physiotherapy was better in terms of form of stool, constipation, and its associated quality of life factors as compared to conventional physiotherapy alone.
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