Article

A prospective intervention of noninvasive abdominal massage using
an electromechanical apparatus on bowel function in individuals with spinal cord
injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of noninvasive abdominal
massage using an electromechanical apparatus on bowel function in individuals
with SCI and chronic bowel problems. This easy-to-use apparatus can be applied by
the patients at home without the help of a therapist. SETTING: Homes of
community-living individuals. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects with SCI were
instructed to use the massage apparatus daily for 20 min during a 10-week period.
Compliance, effects, side effects and user satisfaction were assessed using
questionnaires. RESULTS: Fifteen subjects completed the 10-week period. Although
some characteristics of defecation changed positively for some of the subjects
(time to result, amount, consistency), none felt better or more confident after
using the massage device. In addition, some individuals experienced negative side
effects (predominantly pain or discomfort). The overall satisfaction with the
device is ambiguous, with half of the group judging the device as insufficient
and the other half as at least adequate. CONCLUSION: The use of an
electromechanical massage device does not improve bowel function in most
individuals with SCI who have chronic bowel problems. Why some subjects benefit
and others do not should be investigated in future studies.

Langue : ANGLAIS