Outcome data were gathered at baseline (Week 0), at
the end of the intervention phase (Week 4) and 4 weeks
later (Week 8). The questionnaires were administered to
participants via telephone by an outcome assessor
blinded to group allocation. Participants were also
asked to complete a daily bowel diary during the
7 days prior to baseline, during the 4 weeks of intervention,
and for 7 days prior to the completion of the
Week 8 questionnaire.