Comparing abdominal massage and visceral manipulation for treating constipation

Effect of Abdominal Massage Versus Visceral Manipulation on Constipation Status and Quality of Life in Adults

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06414525

This study is testing whether abdominal massage or visceral manipulation can help adults with chronic constipation feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ismailia)
Trial IDNCT06414525 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of abdominal massage versus visceral manipulation in improving constipation symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for adults suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation. Participants will receive either abdominal massage or visceral manipulation, along with guidance on daily habits related to diet, toilet use, and physical activity. The study aims to determine which intervention is more beneficial for alleviating constipation and improving overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-40 with a diagnosis of functional constipation lasting 6-12 months and a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9.

Not a fit: Patients with comorbidities such as chronic pelvic pain, neurological disorders, or those who have undergone significant gastrointestinal or pelvic surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective non-pharmacological treatment options for chronic idiopathic constipation.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific interventions of abdominal massage and visceral manipulation may be less commonly studied together, similar approaches have shown promise in managing functional bowel disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients of both sex with age ranges (20-40) years old.
* having a diagnosis of functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria onset of constipation symptoms from 6-12 months .
* having body mass index 18.5-29.9 kg/m2 , waist height ratio \</=0.5
* Subjects bothered by their constipation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy.
* Having comorbidities (chronic pelvic pain, neurological (Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesion, etc.), metabolic / endocrine (diabetes mellitus, hypercalcemia, hypothyroid, etc.), cardiorespiratory diseases
* Health problems which may prevent standing from sitting, walking (orthopedic, neurological, cardiorespiratory, etc.)
* Malignancy, acute inflammation, intestinal tumor
* History of gastrointestinal and pelvic surgery or spinal surgery other than cholecystectomy, appendectomy, or hysterectomy
* Visual, auditory or cognitive problems which may prevent participation to the study.
* Tumor, presence of skin problems in the application area
* Presence of laxative use for functional constipation in the last four weeks or patients on laxative therapy.
* Alarm symptoms (unexplained, more than 10% weight loss in 3 months, hemorrhoids and anal fissures, rectal bleeding, family history of colon cancer)

Where this trial is running

Ismailia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Constipation Chronic Idiopathicchronic idiopathic constipationabdominal massagevisceral manipulationquality of life
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.