COMBINED EXERCISE AND MASSAGE PROGRAM IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Stretching, Strengthening, and Stabilization Exercises: Children will complete exercises to improve flexibility, muscle strength, and trunk stability.

Abdominal Massage (I Love You Technique): Gentle abdominal massage will be applied following the colon pathway to support bowel movement.

Standard Care and Education: Children and their parents will receive education about bowel function and lifestyle guidance on diet, fluid intake, toileting habits, and physical activity.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Children will practice fast and slow pelvic floor contractions to improve muscle strength and endurance.

Breathing Exercises: Children will perform simple diaphragmatic breathing exercises daily to support abdominal and pelvic muscle coordination.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Rectal Diameter (measured by ultrasound) — Baseline and after eight weeks
  Rectal diameter will be measured using abdominal ultrasonography to assess rectal distension related to functional constipation. Measurements will be performed before the intervention and at the end of the eight-week program. Changes in rectal diameter will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined exercise and abdominal massage program.
• Constipation Symptoms (Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria) — Baseline and after eight weeks
  Constipation symptoms will be assessed using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for functional constipation, including bowel movement frequency, fecal incontinence, painful or difficult defecation, stool withholding behavior, and presence of large stools.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition