COMBINED EXERCISE AND MASSAGE PROGRAM IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION

THE EFFECTS OF A COMBINED EXERCISE TRAINING AND MASSAGE THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a combined exercise and abdominal massage program improves bowel function and daily well-being in children with functional constipation. Researchers will compare this program with standard care by measuring bowel symptoms, rectal size, pelvic floor strength, trunk endurance, and quality of life.

This clinical trial includes children with functional constipation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a combined exercise and abdominal massage program or to standard care and education.

Children in the program group will take part in guided exercise sessions and receive abdominal massage, while the standard care group will receive routine follow-up and advice on bowel habits.

Researchers will measure bowel symptoms, bowel movement patterns, rectal diameter, pelvic floor muscle function, trunk muscle endurance, and quality of life before and after the program.

The results may help improve safe, non-drug treatment options for children with constipation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 5-18 years
• Diagnosed with functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria
• Voluntary participation with written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to participate
• Presence of congenital conditions (e.g., Down syndrome, Hirschsprung disease)
• Endocrine or metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus)
• Neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g., spina bifida, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders)
• History of abdominal surgery within the last year
• Presence of herniation or open wounds in the abdominal massage area