title: Abdominal massage for the alleviation of symptoms of constipation in people with Parkinson's: a randomised controlled pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  constipation is one of the most common non-motor features of Parkinson's affecting up to 90% of patients. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalisation and is usually managed with laxatives which in themselves can lead to side effects. Abdominal massage has been used as adjunct in the management of constipation in various populations, but not in those with Parkinson's.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  the primary objective was to test the recruitment, retention and the appropriateness of the intervention methods and outcome measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  thirty-two patients with Parkinson's were recruited from three movement disorder clinics and were randomised to receive either 6 weeks of daily abdominal massage plus lifestyle advice on managing constipation (Intervention Group, n = 16) or lifestyle advice (Control Group, n = 16). Data were collected prior to group allocation (Baseline), at Week 6 (following intervention) and 4 weeks later (Week 10). Outcome tools included the Gastrointestinal Rating Scale and a bowel diary.
  
  
  RESULTS
  constipation has a negative impact on quality of life. The study recruited to target, retention was high and adherence to the study processes was good. The massage was undertaken as recommended during the 6 weeks of intervention with 50% continuing with the massage at 10 weeks. Participants in both groups demonstrated an improvement in symptoms, although this was not significantly different between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  abdominal massage, as an adjunct to management of constipation, offers an acceptable and potentially beneficial intervention to patients with Parkinson's.
authors.affiliation: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
authors.forename: Doreen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McClurg
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Caledonian University-NMAHP RU, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Caledonian University-NMAHP RU, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Katharine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.affiliation: School of Life and Health Sciences, Stirling University, Stirling, UK.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dickinson
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: Geriatrics, Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: AnneLouise
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cunnington
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003672:Defecation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012606:Scotland; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: abdominal massage; bowel; defaecation; laxative; older people