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Physical Therapy Treatments for Chronic Constipation in Children with CP

pt-treatments-for-constipation-in-children-with-cp

The discomfort and pain of constipation can affect a child’s quality of life.  For children with cerebral palsy, constipation is particularly common.  An epidemiological survey of nutritional and gastrointestinal problems indicated that 26% of children with cerebral palsy experienced constipation constipation (defined as opening of the bowels less frequently than once in every 3 days) (Elawad, M. A., & Sullivan, P. B., 2001).  One PT approach to improve bowel functions is having children with cerebral palsy take steps in a Hart Walker device (Eisenberg et al, 2009).

Disability and Rehabilitation published a randomized controlled study on the effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) and Kinesio Taping (KT) on chronic constipation in children with cerebral palsy.  Forty children diagnosed with chronic constipation were randomly assigned to CTM group, KT group or control group.  Participants were evaluated with 7-day bowel diaries, Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL).

The results indicated statistically significant differences between the CTM, KT and control groups regarding the changes in:

  1. defecation frequency
  2. duration of defecation
  3. Bristol Stool Form Scale
  4. Visual Analog Scale
  5. PEDsQL total scores

The researchers concluded that CTM and KT seem equally effective physiotherapy approaches for the treatment of pediatric constipation and these approaches may be added to bowel rehabilitation program.

 

Reference:

Eisenberg, S., Zuk, L., Carmeli, E., & Katz-Leurer, M. (2009). Contribution of stepping while standing to function and secondary conditions among children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 21(1), 79-85.

Elawad, M. A., & Sullivan, P. B. (2001). Management of constipation in children with disabilities. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 43(12), 829-832.

Orhan, C., Kaya Kara, O., Kaya, S., Akbayrak, T., Kerem Gunel, M., & Baltaci, G. (2016). The effects of connective tissue manipulation and Kinesio Taping on chronic constipation in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-11.

Check out our full list of pediatric physical therapy resources at Your Therapy Source.

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