The Effects of Abdominal "I LOV U" Massage with Lifestyle Training on Constipation and Distension in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Background: Patients with liver cirrhosis often experience constipation, which potentially worsens hepatic encephalopathy. While the general population has benefited from abdominal massage, little is known about its specific effects on cirrhotic patients. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of abdominal massage combined with lifestyle training on constipation and distension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients with liver cirrhosis at Zagazig University Hospital and continued at home after discharge. Sixty patients with liver cirrhosis were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups and completed the study from November 2023 to June 2024. The intervention included abdominal massage using the "I LOV U" method, along with lifestyle training. Each massage session lasted 15 minutes, twice daily for ten days, initially performed by the researcher and then continued by the key caregiver after training. Data was collected using a demographic form that included information such as age; sex; profession; length of hospital stay in days, constipation assessment score, and distension measurement tool. Results: The groups were similar in demographic variables (P > 0.05). The intervention group exhibited a significant decrease in abdominal circumference over the 10-day study period (P =0.001). There was a significant difference in defecation frequency between the two groups (P < 0.001). The CAS Score decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that abdominal massage with lifestyle training can improve constipation and distension in patients with liver cirrhosis.