An interventional study of foot reflexology and abdominal massage in Constipation, sponsored by Karadeniz Technical University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 65 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-03-13.
Sponsored by Karadeniz Technical University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
1,018 studies on the registry are indexed under Constipation; 139 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 90 is above the median of 80 across 850 interventional studies indexed under Constipation.
Browse Constipation studies →Karadeniz Technical University is the lead sponsor of 145 studies on the registry; 18 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
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
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
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
The elderly individuals in the control group did not receive any intervention and were only monitored.
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 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.
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
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
This study is completed, as verified in Mar 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Karadeniz Technical University