Effectiveness of physiotherapy in children with functional constipation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Therapeutics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Functional constipation is a common pediatric gastrointestinal disorder.
• Current treatments include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
• Optimal treatment strategies require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of pharmacological treatment, physiotherapy, and a combination therapy for functional constipation in children.
• To evaluate the impact on quality of life and symptom recurrence over 3 months.

Main Methods:

• 69 children (5-14 years) with functional constipation were randomized into three groups.
• Group A received pharmacological treatment, Group B received physiotherapy, and Group C received a combination.
• Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale, Bristol Stool Form Scale, defecation frequency, and PedsQL scales.

Main Results:

• All groups showed significant improvements in pain, stool consistency, and defecation frequency.
• The combination therapy group (Group C) demonstrated significant improvements in GI symptoms and overall quality of life.
• Pharmacological treatment alone (Group A) did not yield significant improvements in quality of life or GI symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Combination therapy is more effective than pharmacological or physiotherapy alone for functional constipation in children.
• Combined treatment offers superior short- and long-term benefits for symptom management and quality of life.
• Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in improving pediatric functional constipation outcomes.