Foot Reflexology and Abdominal Massage

NCT06875349 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2015-KAEK-80-23-30
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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

Conditions

Constipation

Keywords

constipation; reflexology; abdominal massage; randomised

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• 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.

  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.

  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.

  Day 1 and Day 13 and Day 25

Study Arms (3)

Group 1: Foot Reflexology

EXPERIMENTAL

In the experimental group-1, foot reflexology interventions were applied every three days, with each session lasting 30 minutes, for a total of eight sessions.

Other: foot reflexology

Group 2: Abdominal Massage

EXPERIMENTAL

In the experimental group-2, abdominal massage interventions were applied every three days, with each session lasting 30 minutes, for a total of eight sessions.

Other: abdominal massage

Group 3: Control

NO INTERVENTION

The elderly individuals in the control group did not receive any intervention and were only monitored.

Interventions

foot reflexology OTHER

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.

Group 1: Foot Reflexology

abdominal massage OTHER

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.

Group 2: Abdominal Massage

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karadeniz Technical University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karadeniz Technical University

Trabzon, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Constipation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms, Digestive; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assistant professor in nursing fundamentals department

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 20, 2025
• First Posted: March 13, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 30, 2024
• Study Completion: February 19, 2025
• Last Updated: March 13, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)