LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Constipation and distension are dominant gastrointestinal problems after stroke in the elderly. Always they are treated by the use of laxatives and fibers. Abdominal massage along with a healthy lifestyle can be a solution. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effect of abdominal massage and lifestyle training on constipation and distention of the elderly with stroke. METHOD This study was a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on elderly patients with stroke at Qaem hospital of Mashhad, Iran. 68 patients were randomly allocated into control (n = 34) and intervention (n = 34) groups in 2017-2018. Finally 29 elderly in the intervention and 34 in the control group completed the study. Intervention included the abdominal massage by using "I LOV U" method along with lifestyle education. Each abdominal massage lasted for 15 minutes, twice daily for ten days that was performed at first session by the researcher and then continued by the key care giver. Data were collected by the demographic form, constipation assessment score (CAS), distension measurement tool (meter), and food tolerance evaluation checklist. RESULTS The results indicated that both groups were homogeneous in demographic variables (P > 0.05). The repeated ANOVA showed a more significant decrease in abdominal circumference of the intervention group during the 10- days study (P = 0.029).The Friedman test showed a significant difference in frequency of defecation in two groups in 10- day study (P < 0.0001). Therefore the CAS Score was significantly decreased in intervention group more than the control group (0.30 < 0.98 < 1.59, P = 0.001, EF = 0.44). The food tolerance frequencies through Gavage (P = 0.20), and also orally (P < 0.001) were significantly improved in the intervention group. CONCLUSION According to results, the abdominal massage along with lifestyle training could improve constipation and distension and also increase food intake tolerance in the elderly patients with stroke.