Krzysztof Kassolik1, Waldemar Andrzejewski1, Iwona Wilk2, Marcin Brzozowski2, Kamila Voyce2, Ewa Jaworska-Krawiecka3, Barbara Nowak4, Donata Kurpas5. 1. Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, al. I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; Physiotherapy Institute, Opole Medical School, ul. Katowicka 68, 45-060 Opole, Poland. 2. Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, al. I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland. 3. Family Medicine Practice, Bulwar Ikara 21B, 51-130 Wroclaw, Poland. 4. Family Medicine Practice, ul. Soltysowicka 56, 51-168 Wroclaw, Poland. 5. Physiotherapy Institute, Opole Medical School, ul. Katowicka 68, 45-060 Opole, Poland; Family Medicine Department, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland. Electronic address: dkurpas@hotmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 29 subjects with a pre-existing diagnosis of constipation based on the Rome III criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group was made up of 15 patients who underwent tensegrity massage (average age: 59.8 years), and the second was made up of 14 patients who were givenclassical abdominal massage (average age: 55.7 years). The study consisted of six massage sessions in both groups, with two sessions per week performed over 21 days. The assessment was based on a patient questionnaire, the Rome III questionnaire and a diary of bowel movements. The results were analyzed before therapy, after one week of therapy and after the third (final) week of therapy. RESULTS: Changes in the number of defecations were compared between the two groups; the biggest changes occurred in the first and third week of therapy (P<0.01, calculated by the Mann-Whitey test). As a result of the therapy, tension during defecation dropped from 60% to 20% in Group I, and from 42.8% to 35.7% in Group II. The influence of the applied therapy was evaluated positively by 80% of the tensegrity massage group and 29% of the classical abdominal massage group. CONCLUSIONS: Massage based on the tensegrity principle may have a greater positive influence on the quality and quantity of bowel movements than classical abdominal massage.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 29 subjects with a pre-existing diagnosis of constipation based on the Rome III criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group was made up of 15 patients who underwent tensegrity massage (average age: 59.8 years), and the second was made up of 14 patients who were given classical abdominal massage (average age: 55.7 years). The study consisted of six massage sessions in both groups, with two sessions per week performed over 21 days. The assessment was based on a patient questionnaire, the Rome III questionnaire and a diary of bowel movements. The results were analyzed before therapy, after one week of therapy and after the third (final) week of therapy. RESULTS: Changes in the number of defecations were compared between the two groups; the biggest changes occurred in the first and third week of therapy (P<0.01, calculated by the Mann-Whitey test). As a result of the therapy, tension during defecation dropped from 60% to 20% in Group I, and from 42.8% to 35.7% in Group II. The influence of the applied therapy was evaluated positively by 80% of the tensegrity massage group and 29% of the classical abdominal massage group. CONCLUSIONS: Massage based on the tensegrity principle may have a greater positive influence on the quality and quantity of bowel movements than classical abdominal massage.