Foot Reflexology and Abdominal Massage

NCT ID: NCT06875349

Last Updated: 2025-03-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 90 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-01-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-02-19

Brief Summary

to determine and compare the effects of foot reflexology and abdominal massage applied to elderly individuals on constipation

Detailed Description

This randomized controlled study examined the effects of foot reflexology and abdominal massage on constipation in 90 elderly individuals from three nursing homes. Participants were divided into three groups: reflexology, abdominal massage, and control. The intervention groups received eight sessions over three weeks, while the control group received no treatment.

Conditions

Constipation

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Group 1: Foot Reflexology

In the experimental group-1, foot reflexology interventions were applied every three days, with each session lasting 30 minutes, for a total of eight sessions.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

foot reflexology

Intervention Type: OTHER

Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. This technique aims to promote healing by improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and supporting overall well-being. Reflexology is often used to help with issues such as constipation, stress, sleep disorders, and pain management.

Group 2: Abdominal Massage

In the experimental group-2, abdominal massage interventions were applied every three days, with each session lasting 30 minutes, for a total of eight sessions.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

abdominal massage

Intervention Type: OTHER

Abdominal massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying gentle pressure and circular motions to the abdominal area to stimulate digestion, improve bowel movements, and relieve discomfort. It is commonly used to help with issues such as constipation, bloating, and digestive disorders by promoting intestinal motility and blood circulation. This technique can be performed manually or with the help of tools and is often incorporated into holistic and nursing care practices.

Group 3: Control

The elderly individuals in the control group did not receive any intervention and were only monitored.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

foot reflexology

Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. This technique aims to promote healing by improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and supporting overall well-being. Reflexology is often used to help with issues such as constipation, stress, sleep disorders, and pain management.

Intervention Type: OTHER

abdominal massage

Abdominal massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying gentle pressure and circular motions to the abdominal area to stimulate digestion, improve bowel movements, and relieve discomfort. It is commonly used to help with issues such as constipation, bloating, and digestive disorders by promoting intestinal motility and blood circulation. This technique can be performed manually or with the help of tools and is often incorporated into holistic and nursing care practices.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Being 65 years or older Having no movement restrictions Not using pharmacological laxatives Being diagnosed with constipation according to the ROMA IV criteria Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals having a condition that prevents cognitive, affective and verbal communication Having a disorder related to the nervous system and circulatory system Having an injection applied to the abdominal region during the application process Having a systematic disorder related to the GIS (diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, fecal impaction, incontinence, etc.) Having physiological and structural disorders that may prevent evacuation in the anus region (rectal fissure, etc.) Having any negativity in the sensory function examination test performed with a sharp-blunt hard object on the sole of the foot and abdomen Having any physiological and structural disorders related to the foot/sole of the foot

• Minimum Eligible Age: 65 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Karadeniz Technical University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Aysun Bayram

assistant professor in nursing fundamentals department

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Karadeniz Technical University

Trabzon, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

2015-KAEK-80-23-30

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id