Effects of TENS and Physiotherapy on Chronic Constipation in Myelomeningocele

Year 2023, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 130 - 142, 27.08.2023

Özge Özdemir Ayla , Gönül Acar , Ş.kerem Özel , Emine Atıcı

https://doi.org/10.58770/joinihp.1333236

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 (ppt) in these muscles, severity of fecal incontinence, and quality of life were assessed prior to treatment. Physical Therapy (PT) group received manual physical therapy techniques and dietary therapy for six weeks while the Physical Therapy and TENS (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 (p<0.05). Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.05). Ppt and muscle strength increased significantly in PT group (p<0.05). Severity of fecal incontinence, constipation symptoms, and bladder-bowel dysfunction decreased significantly in both groups, but satisfaction with treatment increased (p<0.05). Only PT group had a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (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

Supporting Institution

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