The acute effects of abdominal massage on arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation, and exercise capacity in patients with chronic constipation
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, cilt.48, ss.397-405, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 48
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.06.037
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.397-405
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Arterial stiffness, Constipation, Exercise capacity, Oxygenation
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective Chronic constipation impairs gastrointestinal system function and affects the autonomic nervous system. Abdominal massage is known to have beneficial effects on constipation; however, its effects on arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation, and exercise capacity are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of abdominal massage on arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation and exercise capacity in patients with chronic constipation. Methods The study included 30 patients diagnosed with chronic constipation. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 15), which received a single 15-min abdominal massage session, or the control group (n = 15), which received no intervention. Arterial stiffness, exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)), muscle oxygenation were evaluated before and immediately after the intervention. Results The augmentation index (AIx) and AIx normalized to 75 bpm values in the intervention group decreased statistically significantly compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No improvement was prevalent between groups in muscle oxygenation, 6MWT distance (p > 0.05). Conclusion In patients with chronic constipation, a single session of abdominal massage immediately improved AIx but did not alter arterial stiffness, muscle oxygenation, or exercise capacity. These results suggest that abdominal massage may improve arterial compliance through its local effect. Abdominal massage may have beneficial effects on vascular function. However, longer-term studies are needed to confirm this effect. This study was submitted to ClinicalTrials (No:XXXX).