Effects of TENS and Physiotherapy on Chronic Constipation in Myelomeningocele

Authors : Özge ÖZDEMİR AYLA, Gönül ACAR, Şkerem ÖZEL, Emine ATICI

Pages : 130-142

Doi:10.58770/joinihp.1333236

View : 132 | Download : 66

Publication Date : 2023-08-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: Chronic constipation is a common symptom of myelomeningoceles. TENS has been proven to be effective in treating constipation in different populations and parameters. Physiotherapy is a relatively recent treatment for constipation and has not been extensively studied in pediatrics and spina bifida. This study aimed to examine the role of TENS in myelomeningocele and to increase the number of studies on physiotherapy for pediatric constipation. Aims: To determine a new treatment approach that can be applied in chronic constipation in children with spina bifida using physical therapy techniques. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial Methods: Constipation symptoms, stool pattern, bladder and bowel dysfunction, muscle strength involved in defecation, pressure pain thresholds insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ppt); in these muscles, severity of fecal incontinence, and quality of life were assessed prior to treatment. Physical Therapy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PT); group received manual physical therapy techniques and dietary therapy for six weeks while the Physical Therapy and TENS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PT+T); group also received TENS. The post-treatment evaluations were repeated. Results: A total of 28 children, 14 in each group, were included in the treatment plan. The stool form in both groups of children was constipated. There was a significant difference in stool pattern only PT+T group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Myofascial trigger points insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MTrPs); were significantly reduced in both groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Ppt and muscle strength increased significantly in PT group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Severity of fecal incontinence, constipation symptoms, and bladder-bowel dysfunction decreased significantly in both groups, but satisfaction with treatment increased insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Only PT group had a statistically significant improvement in quality of life insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Conclusions: TENS and physical therapy are safe and effective approaches that can be executed in clinical practice to reduce the symptoms of chronic constipation in myelomeningoceles.
Keywords : Myelomeningocele, Spina Bifida, Constipation, TENS, Physiotherapy

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