[Alternative treatments in irritable bowel syndrome]

Clinical efficacy of one-finger meditation massage on IBS-C based on the "gut-brain axis" theory: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can have negative effects on patients and society, with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation(IBS-C) accounting for a large proportion of these effects. The main clinical manifestations of IBS-C are constipation, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension, which seriously impact the quality of life of patients. The mechanisms of IBS are complex, and the gut-brain axis has been an emerging and recognized theoretical system in recent years. Based on the theory of the gut-brain axis and the theory of Chinese medicine, we designed this study to evaluate the efficacy of one-finger meditation massage in treating IBS-C.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) wererandomized 1:1 to a test group (massage plus probiotics) and a control group (probiotics). Patients in the test group weretreated once every 10 days for three consecutive courses of treatment (i.e., three months) and weregiven Bifidobacterium trifolium capsules 630 mg/dose three times daily 30 min after meals every day during the treatment period, with follow-up observations at the end of the third and sixth months of the treatment period. The control group weregiven Bifidobacterium trifolium capsules 630 mg/dose, 3 times a day for 3 months, with follow-up observations at the end of the third and sixth months of the treatment period. The primary outcome indicators are the concentrations of 5-HT and substance P and the IBS Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) assessment. Secondary outcomes are the Bristol Rating Scale (BRSA) score, the IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL scale) score, and the assessment of the effectiveness of the evidence. The results wereassessed at the pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up stages. Any side effects weresubject to assessment.

DISCUSSION

The aim of this trial is to provide a new method of treatment based on pharmacological treatment that is easy to use, easy to promote and has proven efficacy and to establish the efficacy and safety of treating IBS-C through this trial.

REGISTRATION FOR TRIAL

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200066417 on 5 December 2022. https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=183461.

Managing irritable bowel syndrome: The impact of micro-physiotherapy

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a complex pathology, high prevalence and large impact on patients' quality of life. As conventional therapy may yield unsatisfactory results, a more holistic approach may be desirable. The current study assessed the effect of micro-physiotherapy on the severity of IBS symptoms. Methods In a double-blind study, 61 recurrent IBS patients were randomised to two sessions of micro-physiotherapy or sham micro-physiotherapy. Inclusion criteria were the presence of ≥1 IBS symptom from abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea or bloating. Exclusion criteria were previous major intestinal surgery and the presence of chronic diseases. The mean patient age was 53.5±15.3 years. Micro-physiotherapy consisted of micro-palpatory examination to identify osteopathic lesions, followed by micro-massage to stimulate self-healing. The control group underwent a sham procedure. The presence and severity of symptoms was assessed at baseline and at 1-month follow-up by the same gastroenterologist. Results Two patients did not complete the study. There was a significant difference in percentage of patients that improved after the first session, at 74 % for the micro-physiotherapy group and 38 % for the sham group, respectively (p=0.005). After the second session, the initial improvement was maintained in both groups, although with no further gains, and the differences between the study groups remained significant (p=0.007). Conclusions Micro-physiotherapy significantly improves IBS symptoms and should be explored further for use in mainstream healthcare.