The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation

Participants and Setting The study population consisted of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at the Dialysis Units of Rize Training and Research Hospital and Rize State Hospital. A total of 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet any exclusion criteria were included in the study.

Eligible patients (n = 50) were listed and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 25) using a simple randomization method via a computer-based program (https://randomizer.org/). One patient in the intervention group died one month after the initiation of the study, and the intervention was discontinued for this patient. Consequently, the study was completed with 49 patients (intervention group, n = 24; control group, n = 25).

Intervention and Control Prior to the study, the researcher completed a structured training program consisting of 16 hours of theoretical education and 24 hours of practical training provided by the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Rize Training and Research Hospital. An official certificate confirming completion of this training was issued by the hospital administration.

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.

The control group did not receive abdominal massage and continued their routine treatment. In both groups, outcome measures were assessed at baseline (first week) and at the end of the study period (sixth week).

Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 26.0. Distribution characteristics were assessed using skewness and kurtosis values, all of which ranged between -2 and +2, indicating normal distribution. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, median, and standard deviation) were used. Independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons, paired t-tests for within-group comparisons, and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Parametric statistical methods were applied, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Inclusion criteria

• 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

Exclusion criteria

• 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