What is already known about the topic?
Earlier studies indicate that severity of constipation can
be decreased when using abdominal massage.
The scientific evidence is too weak to make recommendations
and more research is needed.
What this paper adds
This paper demonstrates that abdominal massage
decreases severity of gastrointestinal symptoms associated
with constipation and abdominal pain syndrome,
and increase number of bowel movements.
The abdominal massage did not lead to a decrease in
laxative intake, which indicates that abdominal massage
International Journal of Nursing Studies 46 (2009) 759–767
A R T I C L E I N F O
Article history:
Received 2 July 2008
Received in revised form 7 January 2009
Accepted 7 January 2009
Keywords:
Abdominal massage
Constipation
Randomized controlled trial