Abstract

The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Chronic Constipation and Constipation Quality of Life in Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aimed to effect abdominal massage on chronic constipation and constipation quality of life in the elderly. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 elderly. The subjects were randomized to either the massage (n=30) or the control group (n=30). In the massage group, 10 minutes of abdominal massage was applied for 4 weeks. The effect of abdominal massage on constipation was measured by comparing the averages of the scores obtained before (1st week) and after (5th week) its application. Results: The constipation symptoms (stool consistency, abdominal bloating, stool volume, and the number of defecation) were significantly between the 1st and 5th weeks in the massage group (p<0.05). The constipation quality of life scores was decreased significantly in the 5th week in the massage group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal massage was found to be effective in some constipation symptoms and constipation quality of life.

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