Background: Constipation affects many people with multiple sclerosis
(MS), negatively impacting on their quality of life. The use of abdominal
massage has been reported in several populations and has been shown to increase
the frequency of defaecation.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the
feasibility of undertaking abdominal massage in people with MS.
Methods: Following ethical approval, 30 patients with MS and
constipation were recruited. After providing informed written consent and
completion of baseline outcome measures, participants were randomly allocated to
a massage group or a control group. The massage group participants were provided
with advice on bowel management, and they or their carers were taught how to
deliver abdominal massage and were recommended to perform it daily during the
4-week intervention period. The control group received bowel management advice
only. Outcomes were measured pre (Week 0) and post treatment (Week 4), and at
Week 8 and included: the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) (primary outcome),
the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score, and a bowel diary.
Results: Both groups demonstrated a decrease in CSS score from Week
0 to Week 4, indicating an improvement in constipation symptoms; however, the
massage group improved significantly more than the control groups (mean
difference between groups in score change −5.0 (SD 1.5),
95% CI −8.1, −1.8;
t = −3.28,
df = 28,
p = 0.003).
Conclusion: The results of this small study suggest a positive
effect of the intervention on the symptoms of constipation, and support the
feasibility of a substantive trial of abdominal massage for the alleviation of
the symptoms of constipation in people with MS.
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