Tongue-Rotation Exercise Performance Recovers Intestinal Function After Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Recovery
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Postcesarean intestinal dysfunction is a common complication.
• Chewing gum aids recovery by stimulating digestive hormones.
• Tongue-rotation exercises offer a similar, potentially less invasive, stimulation method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of tongue-rotation exercises in accelerating bowel function recovery post-cesarean section.
• To compare the time to first flatus in women undergoing cesarean section with and without tongue-rotation exercises.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized, open-label trial involving women undergoing elective cesarean section.
• Intervention group performed tongue-rotation exercises 3 times daily postoperatively.
• Control group received standard postoperative fasting protocols.

Main Results:

• Sixty participants were analyzed (30 per group).
• The tongue-rotation group experienced a significantly shorter time to first flatus (927 min vs. 1233 min, P = .031).
• No significant differences were found in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Tongue-rotation exercises appear to be an effective, low-cost method to promote early bowel function recovery after cesarean section.
• This technique may facilitate postpartum care and offers an alternative when gum chewing is not preferred.
• Further research is recommended to compare with gum chewing and assess patient-centered outcomes.