Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for cancer pain, explained
This study is a randomized comparative trial designed to determine the effects of reflexology and abdominal massage on the improvement of constipation and quality of life of older persons. Participants were randomized to the reflexology group ( n = 50) or abdominal massage group ( n = 50). Data were collected by using a descriptive information form, the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), the Katz Daily Life Activity Scale (Katz ADL), the Constipation Severity Scale (CSS), and the Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (CQOLQ). The comparison of the mean scores of participants from the total CSS and the total CQOLQ before and after reflexology and abdominal massage application indicated that the mean post-intervention scores on the total CSS and the total CQOLQ decreased significantly compared with preintervention scores ( p < .05). When the mean scores of the reflexology and abdominal massage groups for the total CSS and the total CQOLQ were compared, there was no significant difference between the groups ( p < .05). Both interventions improved the constipation problem of these older persons and their quality of life. The effects of both reflexology and abdominal massage were similar in improving constipation and quality of life in older persons. To assess benefits and harms of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions for breathlessness in adults with advanced cancer. We searched PubMed®, Embase®, CINAHL®, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through early May 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a comparison group evaluating benefits and/or harms, and cohort studies reporting harms. Two reviewers independently screened search results, serially abstracted data, assessed risk of bias, and graded strength of evidence (SOE) for key outcomes: breathlessness, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and exercise capacity. We performed meta-analyses w
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about cancer pain
- ✓Both reflexology and abdominal massage significantly reduced constipation severity scores in older adults compared to baseline measurements (p < .05).
- ✓Both reflexology and abdominal massage significantly improved quality of life related to constipation in older adults compared to baseline measurements (p < .05).
- ✓There was no significant difference in effectiveness between reflexology and abdominal massage for treating constipation or improving constipation-related quality of life.
What This Means for You
If you're an older adult with constipation, reflexology may help improve your symptoms and quality of life about as well as abdominal massage, though you should discuss with your doctor which option suits you best.
What This Means for Practitioners
This randomized trial demonstrates that reflexology is as effective as abdominal massage for reducing constipation and improving quality of life in older clients, providing evidence-based support for offering reflexology as a complementary approach.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Reflexology for cancer pain: common questions
Does reflexology help with cancer pain?
If you're an older adult with constipation, reflexology may help improve your symptoms and quality of life about as well as abdominal massage, though you should discuss with your doctor which option suits you best.
What did this study find?
Both reflexology and abdominal massage significantly reduced constipation severity scores in older adults compared to baseline measurements (p < .05). Both reflexology and abdominal massage significantly improved quality of life related to constipation in older adults compared to baseline measurements (p < .05). There was no significant difference in effectiveness between reflexology and abdominal massage for treating constipation or improving constipation-related quality of life.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 100 participants. It was published in Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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