Abdominal massage and laxative use for constipation: a pilot study

Constipation is a very frequent condition. Pharmacological treatment leads to the onset of complications in the long term.

To study the effects of abdominal massage and bowel training combined with polyethene glycol compared with laxative alone. Researchers studied the frequency of evacuations, use of laxatives, appetite, and food intake of older persons. In addition, feasibility in the daily routine of nursing care was studied.

A pilot, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Older people living in a facility for self-sufficient residents were enrolled and randomised to the intervention or control group. The massage was administered for 4 weeks. The stool type according to the Bristol Stool Form Scale and secondary outcomes were collected at baseline, before any massage session and at the end of the intervention.

32 participants were enrolled. Significant improvements were found in the number of evacuations, need for enemas, Bristol scores, appetite and food intake.

Significant improvements were found in all major outcomes.