Whole-Body Vibration for Functional Constipation

Whole-Body Vibration for Functional Constipation: A Single-Center, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

1. Aim: The aim of this trial was to determine whether whole-body vibration (WBV) induced via a non-invasive oscillation platform could improve symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic functional constipation.
2. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized, control trial was performed in a single Hospital in Taiwan. Patients diagnosed with chronic functional constipation, as per the Rome III diagnostic criteria were included and randomized to either the WBV treatment or no treatment (control) group. The treatment group received six 15-minute sessions of WBV therapy over a two-week period. Patients received vibrations of 2 mm in amplitude at a frequency of 12 Hz. The primary outcome was assessed by the constipation severity instrument (CSI). The secondary outcome was improvements in HRQOL.

Inclusion Criteria:

• met the Rome III criteria of constipation

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant
• cardiovascular disease
• cerebrovascular disease
• recently undergone major surgery
• hypothyroidism
• depressive disorder.