"Effects of abdominal massage applied with ginger and lavender oil for elderly with constipation: A randomized
Ayşe Aydinli1, Songül Karadağ2
1Süleyman Demirel University, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Isparta, Turkey.
Background And Objectives:
Constipation, which is commonly seen in the elderly and negatively affects an individual's physical and psychological well-being, is a treatable health problem. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to investigate the effect of abdominal massage applied with lavender and ginger oil on constipation for elderly individuals.
Methods:
The study examined a total of 40 elderly individuals who lived in a nursing home and suffered from constipation. Elderly individuals in the intervention group underwent 15 min of aromatherapy massage for 5 weekdays per week for 4 weeks. No intervention was conducted for individuals in the control group.
Results:
While the Bristol Stool Chart and the Constipation Severity Scale scores were similar in the intervention and control groups of elderly individuals at the first follow-up (p > 0.05), in the second and fourth week after the application, scores in the Bristol Stool Chart increased significantly and scores in the Constipation Severity Scale decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
It was determined that aromatherapy massage applied to elderly individuals experiencing constipation softened stool consistency, decreased constipation severity, and reduced symptoms associated with constipation.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...


