NCT06353841

Effect of Therapeutic Touch on Functional Constipation in Infants and Young Children

The Effect of Therapeutic Touch on Functional Constipation in Infants and Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 6 Months – 24 Months
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of therapeutic touch on functional constipation in infants and young children.

Detailed description

Functional constipation (FK) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects children's quality of life. The reported prevalence of functional constipation in infants and young children varies according to diagnostic criteria between studies. Laxatives and probiotics are commonly used to treat functional constipation. Therefore, treating constipation is very costly and there is not enough reliable data on this subject. When the literature is examined, the use of non-pharmacological methods to reduce, prevent and eliminate constipation has been increasing recently. When the studies were examined, studies using different methods were found. The main methods used in the care of children with constipation are; massage, aromatherapy, probiotics, laxatives, reflexology and acupuncture. The effect of therapeutic touch is thought to have positive results, especially in newborns, infants and children.Based on the studies conducted in line with the literature, this research has a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effect of therapeutic touch applied to infants and children diagnosed with functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria on constipation. This study is a prospective, randomized and controlled trial. The study population consisted of infants and children aged 6 to 24 months. Sample of the study consisted of a total of 60 children who met the sample selection criteria and were selected via randomization method. Children were randomized into two groups: intervention gorup (n=30) and control group (n=30). Data were collected using the Interview and Observation Form, Primary Results Follow-up Form, and Bristol stool form scale.

Conditions

• Functional Constipation
• Therapeutic Touch
• Infants
• Children
• Constipation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Therapeutic Touch	Therapeutic Touch will be applied to infants for 3 consecutive days, once a day, 10 minutes at any time during the day. There will be a four-day break. The Therapeutic Touch will be done a total of 3 times a week in four weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-05-03
• Primary completion: 2024-12-26
• Completion: 2024-12-31
• First posted: 2024-04-09
• Last updated: 2025-01-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)