Effects of Exercise and Abdominal Massage on Constipation and Faecal Incontinence in Continuing Care Patients

Immobility is referred to as a cause of constipation which, in turn, may lead to faecal incontinence, particularly in the immobile, long-stay patient. Colonic motility is known to be affected by posture and increased by body movements. Massage is thought to increase peristalsis. Although exercise and massage are stated as means of treating constipation, there has not yet been a controlled study using these methods.