The Effectiveness of Massage in Treating Constipation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity rule and classical abdominal massage in persons with constipation.

Detailed Description
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Constipation can be defined as an embarrassing ailment of the 21st century. It affects about 20-25% of the population, women as well as men, but occurs more frequently in women (female:male ratio of 2.2:1). Persons of different age suffer from it. Constipation is a bothersome ailment which negatively affects the general physical and mental state, lowers physical and mental fitness, significantly hinders professional work, and decreases life comfort As the factors which contribute to the occurrence of constipation are very diverse and complex, the treatment is a long-term and slow process. There are numerous conservative treatment methods for constipation, such as physical treatments, reflexotherapy, biofeedback, pharmacotherapy, and modification of lifestyle. There is also a possibility of applying classical massage in persons with constipation. However, observations of the authors suggest it is not a therapy commonly applied.

Official Title
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Comparison of the Effectiveness of Massage Based on the Tensegrity Rule and Classical Abdominal Massage in Persons With Constipation

Conditions
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Constipation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: massage based on the tensegrity rule
* Other: massage - classical abdominal


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: age from 18 to 70 years old after therapy with Vermoks 2*1/ 3 regardless of body weight negative Elis test for lambliasis proper laboratory tests results: bilirubin, FA, GGTP, AspAT, AlAT ultrasound scan of the abdominal cavity positive interview based on questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: present cancer or prior cancer treatment, if there is no clear agreement of the involved oncologist renal insufficiency > II NYHA cardiovascular problems respiratory insufficiency > II degree GOLD unstable coronary disease hypertensive crisis liver insufficiency prior liver transplant prior or active hepatitis jaundice prior surgical treatments except: appendectomy >5 years before, cholecystectomy 5 years before unequalized endocrinopathies metabolic storage diseases diabetes nephrolithiasis cholelithiasis pancreatitis chronic diseases of the intestines diseases of the muscles pregnancy parasite infections of the digestive system (infection with human roundworm, lambliasis) age above 18 years old BMI> 33 improper ultrasound scan result or laboratory tests results blood presence in feces

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: tensegrity massage<br>In this group of patients massage sessions based on the tensegrity method were applied. | Other: massage based on the tensegrity rule<br>* The massage consist of brushing the skin, stroking of the lower abdominal integuments. Elastic deformation of the thoracolumbar fascia. Then the abdominal integuments were elastically deformed by kneading to normalize the rest tension of the muscles of the abdominal integuments as well as, indirectly, the myofascial apparatus of the pelvic floor and in this way improve venous blood and lymph outflow from the large intestine and the sigmoid colon area. The next treatment stage - performing circular movements within the limits of the skin's mobility at 1/3 of the medial part of the thigh. By stroking movements in the direction of the armpit in accordance with the run of the thoracoepigastric and costalaxillary veins. Then the intercostal muscles were deformed.<br>|
| Active Comparator: classical massage<br>In this group of patients classical massage sessions were applied | Other: massage - classical abdominal<br>* The classical abdominal massage consisted of circular movements performed on the abdominal integuments by superficial and deep stroking techniques according to the colonic route (clockwise)<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patient Questionnaire (including Rome Test) | The aims of the Patient Questionnaire were to proof constipation presence and supply evidence of the frequency and the quality of bowel movements, and to compare them with the state from Diary | baseline (immediately before the first massage session) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Diary of Bowel Movements | The aims of the Diary were to supply documentary evidence of the frequency and the quality of bowel movements, and to compare them with the state from before the experiment (the Patient Questionnaire). | on 7th day and 21st day from the 1st massage session | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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constipation, massage, tensegrity