The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Constipation Parameters in Intensive Care Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Abdominal massage is a therapy used for common constipation problems in the intensive care unit. However, an updated review of studies investigating the effect of abdominal massage on constipation in the intensive care unit patients is needed. To review the studies on abdominal massage in patients with constipation in the intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted in May 2024 by searching electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science). The PEDro scale was employed for quality assessment. Results: Nine studies were included in the present review. Four articles were “moderate”, five articles were “good” level of evidence. Gastric residual volume measure was the most used method. Abdominal circumference, abdominal distention, vomiting, Constipation Risk Assessment Scale were the other outcome measures. Abdominal massage had significant effects on these outcome measures (p<0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal massage intervention has positive effects on abdominal circumference, abdominal distention, frequency and duration of defecation, frequency and incidence of constipation, and bowel noises. Abdominal massage may reliably reduce constipation in adult patients hospitalized in intensive care units.