Foot Reflexology and Abdominal Massage

Karadeniz Technical University90 enrolled

Overview

to determine and compare the effects of foot reflexology and abdominal massage applied to elderly individuals on constipation

This randomized controlled study examined the effects of foot reflexology and abdominal massage on constipation in 90 elderly individuals from three nursing homes. Participants were divided into three groups: reflexology, abdominal massage, and control. The intervention groups received eight sessions over three weeks, while the control group received no treatment.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Constipation

Interventions

foot reflexologyOTHER

Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. This technique aims to promote healing by improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and supporting overall well-being. Reflexology is often used to help with issues such as constipation, stress, sleep disorders, and pain management.

abdominal massageOTHER

Abdominal massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying gentle pressure and circular motions to the abdominal area to stimulate digestion, improve bowel movements, and relieve discomfort. It is commonly used to help with issues such as constipation, bloating, and digestive disorders by promoting intestinal motility and blood circulation. This technique can be performed manually or with the help of tools and is often incorporated into holistic and nursing care practices.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Being 65 years or older Having no movement restrictions Not using pharmacological laxatives Being diagnosed with constipation according to the ROMA IV criteria Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Individuals having a condition that prevents cognitive, affective and verbal communication Having a disorder related to the nervous system and circulatory system Having an injection applied to the abdominal region during the application process Having a systematic disorder related to the GIS (diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, fecal impaction, incontinence, etc.) Having physiological and structural disorders that may prevent evacuation in the anus region (rectal fissure, etc.) Having any negativity in the sensory function examination test performed with a sharp-blunt hard object on the sole of the foot and abdomen Having any physiological and structural disorders related to the foot/sole of the foot

Locations (1)

Karadeniz Technical University

Trabzon, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Constipation Severity Scale

Does foot reflexology have an effect on constipation in elderly individuals? Constipation Severity Scale: The total score range is 0-73, with higher scores indicating greater severity of constipation.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 13 and Day 25

Constipation Severity Scale

Does abdominal massage have an effect on constipation in elderly individuals? Constipation Severity Scale: The total score range is 0-73, with higher scores indicating greater severity of constipation.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 13 and Day 25

Constipation Severity Scale

Is there a difference between the effects of foot reflexology and abdominal massage on constipation in elderly individuals? Constipation Severity Scale: The total score range is 0-73, with higher scores indicating greater severity of constipation.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 13 and Day 25

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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