Investigation of the effect of telerehabilitation-based exercise training on constipation symptoms and quality of life

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of telerehabilitation-based exercise training on constipation symptoms and quality of life. The study was conducted on individuals who had applied to the Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Pamukkale University Hospital and had been diagnosed with chronic constipation. The participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=16) or the intervention group (n=16) using a computerised randomisation method. The control group was provided with only lifestyle recommendations, whereas the intervention group was subjected to a telerehabilitationbased exercise programme, comprising 40 to 60 minutes of exercise on three days per week for a period of four weeks. Assessments were conducted at the outset of the study and at the conclusion of the fourth week. The severity of constipation symptoms was assessed using the Constipation Rating Scale and the Constipation Severity Scale. Defecation habits were evaluated using the Bristol Visual Stool Scale. Quality of life was measured using the Chronic Constipation Patient Assessment and Quality of Life Scale and the Short Form-12. Physical activity levels were determined using the Physical Activity Scale 2. The mean age of participants in the intervention group was 40.81 ± 14 years, while that of the control group was 37.63 ± 16.77 years. The initial evaluation of the Bristol Visual Stool Scale revealed that normal stool type was not observed in either group (Type 3 and Type 4). However, in the fourth-week evaluation, normal stool type was identified in 68.8% (n=11) of the intervention group and 37.5% (n=6) of the control group. Furthermore, excessive constipation (Type 1), which was observed at the outset of the intervention period, was entirely resolved. Significant improvements were observed in all subscales and total scores of the Constipation Assessment Scale and the Constipation Severity Scale in the intervention group (p≤0.05). Significant improvements were observed in the symptom score (p=0.013) and satisfaction subscale (p=0.008) of the Chronic Constipation Patient Assessment and Quality of Life Scale, as well as in the mental component subscale (p=0.042) of the Short Form-12, with the intervention group exhibiting superior outcomes. The findings of this study demonstrate that a 4-week exercise training programme delivered via telerehabilitation is an effective method of alleviating the symptoms of chronic constipation and improving quality of life. These results support the use of telerehabilitation as a complementary approach in the treatment of chronic constipation.