Abstract
In this pilot study the effects of exercise and abdominal massage on intestinal transit time, bowel habit, faecal incontinence and the use of laxatives and enemas were determined in 12 immobile, longstay patients for 12 weeks. Daily records of bowel habit, faecal incontinence and the use of laxatives and enemas were made for six weeks before and for 12 weeks during the programme. No significant differences ( p = 0.26) were found in the transit times before and after treatment. Episodes of faecal incontinence were significantly decreased ( p = 0.0002), with a significant increase in the number of bowel motions ( p = 0.0006). The number of enemas given was reduced ( p < 0.0001) and just one patient took one laxative. In the absence of a control group, these results could simply be due to discontinuing bowel medication, rather than exercise and massage. Further definitive research should be carried out to establish the effectiveness of exercise and abdominal massage in treating constipation in the continuing care unit.
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