Effects of different physiotherapy programs on constipation symptoms and quality of life in individuals with functional constipation

This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study aimed to evaluate the effects of different physiotherapy programs on constipation symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with functional constipation (FC). Subjects were randomized into control, connective tissue manipulation (CTM), interferential (IF) 0-100 Hz and IF 100 Hz groups. Behavioral treatment and exercise program (BTEP) was applied to the control group; and the other groups additionally received CTM, IF 0-100 Hz, or IF 100 Hz, three days a week for four weeks. Before the treatments, physical, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics, bowel habits (Bowel Diary), constipation severity (Constipation Severity Instrument), quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire), and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) were evaluated. Defecation frequency increased and defecation duration decreased in four groups (p<0.05). In CTM and IF groups, defecation frequency increase was more than the BTEP group (p<0.05). The constipation severity decreased (p<0.05), and this effect was maintained in four groups in the control period (p>0.05). The QoL improved in all groups (p<0.05), and the groups had no superiority to each other. The physical activity level was similar among groups in all assessment periods (p>0.05). The findings showed that all investigated physiotherapy programs were effective in decreasing the FC symptom and severity along with improving the QoL; also CTM and IF applications provided additional contributions to the BTEP in the improvement of bowel functions among individuals with FC. Keywords: Constipation, Electrical stimulation, Exercise, Gastrointestinal diseases, Manual therapy