This study was, randomise controlled study. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of transabdominal magnetic field therapy on constipation severity in patients with chronic functional constipation. After eligibility assessment and baseline measurements, participants were randomly allocated into three groups: the transabdominal magnetic field therapy group, the sham group, and the standard care group. All groups received Constipation Management Education. The education program, developed based on the literature, covered the definition, causes, risk factors, medication use, and lifestyle-related factors associated with constipation. In addition, behavioral recommendations were provided, including maintaining regular bowel habits, adopting an appropriate defecation posture, avoiding delayed defecation and excessive straining, and optimizing diet, fluid intake, and physical activity. The MFT group received active transabdominal magnetic field therapy twice weekly for 8 weeks. The sham group underwent the same device placement and session protocol; however, the device was used without delivering an active magnetic field. The standard care group received only Constipation Management Education. Participants were followed face to face for 8 weeks, and individual counseling was provided when needed to answer their questions. The primary outcome measure was the Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI). Secondary outcomes were the CSI subscales, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), the Bristol Stool Form Scale, complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM), and defecation time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
75
Magnetic Field Treatment was applied to the participants for 30 minutes a day, twice a week for 8 weeks, using an electromagnetic field therapy device, in a supine position, by placing circular magnetotherapy electrodes in the abdominal area, at 25 Hz and 30 Gauss power.
The standard care group received "training on how to manage constipation".
The sham group underwent the same procedure without active stimulation.
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey (Türkiye)
Istanbul Gedik University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI)
It is a scale that reveals the symptoms of constipation in people. It makes an evaluation to determine the problems experienced by individuals in defecation. The scale includes 16 questions. The lowest total score that can be obtained from the scale is 0 and the highest is 73. A high score indicates that the symptoms are serious.
Time frame: Eight weeks
Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL)
Quality of life was assessed using the Turkish adaptation of the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life(PAC-QOL). The PAC-QOL consists of 28 questions, including subscales for "physical discomfort," "psychosocial discomfort," "concerns/worries," and "satisfaction." The highest possible score is 140, and the lowest is 28. Higher scores indicate that constipation negatively impacts quality of life more significantly.
Time frame: Eight weeks
Bristol Stool Scale
This is a scale that evaluates stool consistency. A high score indicates a more liquid stool consistency. Type 3-4 indicates normal stool.
Time frame: Eight weeks
Complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM)
This is a medical term referring to bowel movements that occur naturally without medication, and without straining, pain, or a feeling of incomplete emptying during defecation.
Time frame: Eight weeks
Defecation time
It describes the frequency of bowel movements, the consistency of the stool, and the degree of difficulty a person experiences during defecation. It is recorded in minutes. A longer duration indicates difficulty in defecation.
Time frame: Eight weeks
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