Effect of Abdominal Massage and Heat on Bowel Activity After Knee Surgery

The Effect of Abdominal Massage and Warm Application on Excretory Activity in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement With Spinal Anesthesia

NA · Mersin University · NCT06578936

This study tests if giving abdominal massage and heat to patients after knee surgery can help them have bowel movements more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMersin University (other)
Locations2 sites (Adana and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06578936 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how abdominal massage and warm application can enhance bowel activity in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery with spinal anesthesia. Participants will receive abdominal massage and heat therapy after meals to stimulate bowel movements, while a control group will not receive these interventions. The study aims to measure the time until the first bowel sounds, defecation, and the amount of laxative used until discharge. The interventions will be applied consistently from the first evening post-surgery until the first defecation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing total knee replacement with spinal anesthesia and do not have contraindications for abdominal massage.

Not a fit: Patients who are unconscious, disoriented, or have conditions contraindicating abdominal massage will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve bowel function and comfort for patients recovering from knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of interventions in the context of knee surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written and verbal permission was obtained to participate in the study,
* 18 years of age or older,
* Conscious, oriented and cooperative,
* Speaks and understands Turkish,
* Total knee replacement with spinal anesthesia planned,
* No condition in which abdominal massage is contraindicated (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumors, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal area, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy),
* No physician-diagnosed chronic constipation,
* Mobilized,
* Patients who do not have problems with transition to oral feeding and can be fed orally will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Written and verbal permission to participate in the research could not be obtained,
* Under 18 years of age,
* Unconscious, disoriented and uncooperative,
* Can speak Turkish but cannot understand it,
* Total knee replacement with general anesthesia planned,
* Any condition in which abdominal massage is contraindicated (inflammatory bowel disease, presence of abdominal tumors, surgical intervention or radiotherapy to the abdominal area, presence or suspicion of ileus, and pregnancy),
* Physician-diagnosed chronic constipation,
* Non-mobilized,
* Patients who have problems with transition to oral feeding and who cannot be fed orally will not be included.

Where this trial is running

Adana and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Total Knee Replacement, heat application, constipation, intestinal motility, spinal anesthesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.