Comparison of the Effects of Abdominal Massage and Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation

Comparison of the Effects of Abdominal Massage and Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of abdominal massage and kinesio taping on constipation severity, quality of life, bowel habits and perception of recovery in women with chronic constipation.

Constipation is not a disease but a subjective symptom characterized by inadequate defecation, the definition of which varies from person to person. It is known that abdominal massage, which is one of the physiotherapy approaches, reduces the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and increases bowel movements. Kinesio taping applied for constipation can also increase bowel movement, increase the frequency of defecation and decrease the duration of defecation. However, there is a need for studies comparing the effects of these two different applications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 65 years of age
• Having been diagnosed with chronic constipation according to the Rome 4 diagnostic criteria by a gastroenterologist
• Being volunteer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant colon or gastrointestinal problems
• Body mass index >35 kg/m2
• Those who have difficulty defecating, those with anorectal dyssynergia
• Being pregnant
• Having neurological, metabolic and/or malignant disease
• Having an open wound, mass, infection and/or hernia in the area to be massaged
• Having abdominal surgery or abdominal radiotherapy in the last 1 year
• Having a mental problem that prevents cooperation
• Taking laxative therapy at least 4 weeks before participating in the study
• To have received physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications related to constipation in the last 1 year