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. 2024 Oct 30;30(4):501-511.
doi: 10.5056/jnm23131. Epub 2024 Jun 3.

Effectiveness of Abdominal Massage Versus Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yasemin Karaaslan  1 , Aysenur Karakus  2 , Deniz Ogutmen Koc  3 , Amine Bayrakli  4 , Seyda Toprak Celenay  5
Affiliations

Effectiveness of Abdominal Massage Versus Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yasemin Karaaslan et al. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. .

Abstract

Background/aims: Chronic constipation is an important public health problem and significantly affects women's lives. It is important to investigate nonpharmacological applications that can be used in the treatment of chronic constipation. The aim is to assess how abdominal massage and Kinesio taping impact constipation severity, quality of life (QOL), and perception of subjective improvement in women with chronic constipation.

Methods: Following the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, women with constipation were randomly sorted into 3 distinct groups for study: massage group (lifestyle recommendations + abdominal massage, n = 22), taping group (lifestyle recommendations + Kinesio taping, n = 22), and control group (lifestyle recommendations, n = 22). Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) (for constipation severity), 7 days bowel diary (for bowel function), Patient Assessment of Constipation QOL (PAC-QOL) questionnaire (for QOL), 4-item Likert-type scale (for perception of subjective improvement) was used.

Results: The group x time interaction effect was significant in all CSI, bowel diary and PAC-QQL parameters, except for incomplete evacuation and PAC-QOL-worries/concerns, and a large effect size was found (Partial η2 > 0.14). Improvement scores of all parameters (except CSI-obstructive defecation, incomplete evacuation, PAC-QOL-worries/concerns) were similar in the massage and taping groups and were better than the control group. Noteworthy perceptions of subjective improvement and normalization of stool type predominantly manifested in the massage group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Abdominal massage and Kinesio taping are recommended as initial conservative interventions for managing chronic constipation within the therapeutic spectrum.

Keywords: Constipation; Life style; Massage; Quality of life; Randomized controlled trial.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Abdominal stroking. (A) Fingertips were placed on the symphysis pubis. (B) It was advanced along the rectus abdominis muscles with a deep upward stroking. (C) At the level of the lower costal, the hands are spread out to the sides. (D) It was advanced to the middle and descended along the course of the transverse abdominal muscles. (E) At the return of the second stroking, the starting point was descended obliquely for the oblique abdominal muscles.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Colon stroking. (A) stroking started on cecum. (B) Moved upwards on the ascending colon. (C) It was advanced on the transverse column and the hand below the midline changed direction. (D) The bladder was passed with superficial stroking.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Colon kneading. (A) A friction movement was initiated in the distal part of the descending colon. (B-F) It was advanced to the starting point by applying friction 5 cm upwards each time.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Kinesio taping application.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Flowchart of the participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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