The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation

NCT07402785 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KTU-SBE-FT-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 49
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to determine the effect of abdominal massage on constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The main questions he intends to answer are: H0: Abdominal massage applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment has no effect on constipation. H1: Abdominal massage applied to patients receiving hemodialysis treatment has an effect on constipation.

Conditions

Hemodialysis; Constipation

Keywords

abdominal massage

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Constipation Severity

  change in constipation severity measured using the Constipation Severity Scale

  baseline and end of week 6

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Constipation-related Quality of Life

  Baseline and end of week 6

• Stool Consistency

  Baseline and end of week 6

Study Arms (2)

control group (n = 25)

NO INTERVENTION

The control group did not receive abdominal massage and continued their routine treatment. In groups, outcome measures were assessed at baseline (first week) and at the end of the study period (sixth week). For evaluation Bristol Stool Form Scale, Constipation Severity Scale, and Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, administered face-to-face by the researcher.

intervention group (n = 24)

EXPERIMENTAL

One patient in the intervention group died one month after the initiation of the study, and the intervention was discontinued for this patient.Abdominal massage was administered to the intervention group during hemodialysis sessions in the dialysis units of the respective hospitals, without interrupting the treatment process. Patient privacy was ensured using a curtain before each session. Massage was applied at least 30 minutes after meals. Before each session, patients' general physical and mental condition, vital signs, abdominal tension/sensitivity, and skin integrity were assessed. Abdominal massage was performed by the researcher twice weekly for six weeks, with each session lasting 15 minutes, for a total of 12 sessions. At the end of the sixth week, the effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Constipation Severity Scale, and Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, administered face-to-face by the researcher.

Other: abdominal massage

Interventions

abdominal massage OTHER

Abdominal massage is considered a promising complementary approach for alleviating the symptoms of chronic constipation due to its noninvasive nature and relatively low cost. This intervention is thought to stimulate somato-autonomic reflexes and intestinal motility, thereby enhancing peristalsis and promoting contractions of the rectal muscles. Through massage application, bowel movements become more active. In addition, abdominal massage exerts effects on the abdominal muscles and the large intestine, and by stimulating the abdominal nerve plexus (splanchnic plexus), it alters intestinal tone. As a result of these mechanisms, constipation-related symptoms such as pain and discomfort are reduced.

intervention group (n = 24)

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
• Receiving hemodialysis treatment for at least one month
• Diagnosed with constipation by a clinician or meeting Rome IV criteria
• Able to communicate effectively and respond to all study-related questions, either personally or through a caregiver

You may not qualify if:

• History of ileus or intestinal perforation
• Presence of abdominal distension
• Presence of a colostomy or ileostomy
• Presence of extensive abdominal skin disease or infection
• Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease
• Presence of signs or symptoms of an acute abdomen
• Presence of diarrhea
• Known allergy to baby oil
• Refusal to participate in the study

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat Tukenmez: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karadeniz Technical University

Trabzon, Trabzon, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Links

• Related Info

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: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: NURSE

Model Details: This study was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial with an experimental, pretest-posttest design.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 28, 2026
• First Posted: February 11, 2026
• Study Start: June 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 20, 2025
• Study Completion: August 9, 2025
• Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)