Combined Effects of Whole Body Vibration and Abdominal Binders on Outcome Measures of Constipation in Postnatal Women

Constipation is a complex condition arising due to many interrelated causes. Dietary inadequacies, most notably for fiber or fluid, often constitute a centerpiece of constipation. But other lifestyle factors including lack of movement and irregular bowel movements are also to blame. Known conditions affecting the gut motility, from medical perspective, include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease. Often listed as a side effect in medications such as opiates, antacids and antidepressants for example. Additionally, gut brain axis demonstrates that psychological aspects play a substantial part in the well being of the gut, since stress and anxiety frequently make matters worse. It is important to understand the causes of constipation to develop treatments.It is usually described as occurring less than three times per week, difficult to pass stools or passage of stools that does not feel satisfactory. Whereas, acute constipation can be often attributed to alteration in diet and water intake or stress, the chronic constipation is a long-standing pathological entity which can negatively affect the quality of life. Whole body vibration therapy (WBV) is a therapeutic modality that utilizes mechanical vibrations to excite muscle, nerve and tissue structures in the body. WBV is typically administered on a vibrating platform where the device is either controlled to deliver vibrations at specified frequencies and amplitudes as the individual performs a standing, sitting, or lying position. The vibrations produce rapid, involuntary muscle contractions- and result in a similar exercising effect without the impact to your body. Abdominal binders are conventionally used for physical support but recent evidence supports their use in improving bowel function as increased abdominal muscle recruitment and intra-abdominal pressure, both integral to a healthy peristaltic push.

Inclusion criteria

• Females age 22-35 years
• Females underwent C-section were included in the study
• Participants who had severe constipation
• Primary gravida
• Women who had 6 months of Postpartum period
• Single fetus pregnancy

Exclusion criteria

• Females who had normal delivery were excluded
• History of episiotomy
• Participants taking laxative were excluded
• History of post cesarean abdominal suture infections