Comparisons between Manual Lymph Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Electrical Stimulation on Functional Constipation Outcomes: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Jacqueline S Drouin,Seong Jung Kim,Jung Myo Shim,Lucinda Pfalzer

doi:10.3390/ijerph17113924

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports abdominal massage (AM) or electrical stimulation (ES) as effective in treating functional constipation (FC). Manual lymph drainage (MLD) may also be beneficial, however, it was not previously investigated or compared to ES and AM. Methods: Sixteen college-aged males and 36 females were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to MLD, AM or ES. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures for total power (TP), high frequency (HF), low frequency and LF/HF ratio assessed ANS outcomes. state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and stress response inventory (SRI) assessed psychological factors and bowel movement frequency (BMF) and duration (BMD) were recorded daily. Results: MLD significantly improved all ANS measures (); AM significantly improved LF, HF and LF/HF ratios (p = 0.04); and ES significantly improved LF (p = 0.1). STAI measures improved, but not significantly in all groups. SRI improved significantly from MLD (p < 0.01), AM (p = 0.04) and ES (p < 0.01), but changes were not significant between groups. BMD improved significantly in all groups ( 0.02). BMF improved significantly only following MLD and AM (p < 0.1), but differences between groups were not significant (p = 0.39). Conclusions: MLD significantly reduced FC symptoms and MLD had greater improvements than AM or ES.

Highlights

Evidence supports the utility of abdominal massage (AM) and electrical stimulation (ES) in the treatment of functional constipation (FC) [1,2,3,4]
It was theorized that Manual lymph drainage (MLD) would improve FC since it could be performed on the abdomen and because it may normalize ANS balance to promote improved gastrointestinal function
Stress measures were statistically higher within all groups, but not significantly different between groups. These results suggest that all interventions produced sufficient comfort and relaxation to reduce psychological stress among people with FC [13]

Summary

Introduction

Evidence supports the utility of abdominal massage (AM) and electrical stimulation (ES) in the treatment of functional constipation (FC) [1,2,3,4]. While manual lymph drainage (MLD) may be beneficial by promoting normal peristalsis and autonomic nervous system balance, ANS balance, these effects have not been previously investigated. Evidence supports abdominal massage (AM) or electrical stimulation (ES) as effective in treating functional constipation (FC). Manual lymph drainage (MLD) may be beneficial, it was not previously investigated or compared to ES and AM. Methods: Sixteen college-aged males and 36 females were recruited. Results: MLD significantly improved all ANS measures (p ≤ 0.01); AM significantly improved LF, HF and LF/HF ratios (p = 0.04); and ES significantly improved

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion