Effects of a proposed physical activity and diet control to manage constipation in middle-aged obese women

Bowel health, defecation patterns and nutrient intake following adoption of a vegan diet: a randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on gut microbiota diversity are well documented, however, its impact on clinical bowel health and defecation patterns are less well understood. Vegetarian diets have been associated with a higher bowel movement (BM) frequency as well as softer stools in cross-sectional studies. The effects of the de-novo adoption of a vegan diet on bowel health, however, have never been investigated in a randomized-controlled trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study examined bowel health and defecation patterns in relation to diet and nutrient intake in a young and healthy sample of n = 65 physically-active German university students who were randomly assigned to either a vegan or a meat-rich diet for eight weeks. Bowel health assessment included the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). Nutrient intake was assessed using weighed food diaries. The study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00031541).

RESULTS

Weekly BM frequency slightly increased in vegans, whereas it remained unaltered in participants assigned to a meat-rich diet. Fiber intake increased significantly in vegans (34.89 (18.46) g/d) whereas it decreased in those assigned to the meat-rich group (22.79 (12.5) g/d). No significant intergroup differences in BSFS and CCFIS patterns were observed. Adoption of a vegan diet neither resulted in a transient increase in abdominal discomfort nor in a decreased gastrointestinal quality of life, which was comparable across the diet groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term de-novo adoption of a vegan diet did not negatively affect markers of bowel health in this study.

Constipation: A Pristine Universal Pediatric Health Delinquent

Constipation suffered by children is a global public health problem. Functional constipation (FC) brings about deteriorating effects in the children's lives who suffer from it. The risk factors for the development of constipation include the consumption of a diet low in fiber and high in calories (such as the consumption of fast food), a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise, a family history of constipation, and emotional and psychological stress endured by children in their families. It is one of the most common causes of stomachaches in children. FC may lead to fecal incontinence (FI), anal fissures, recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI), and enuresis in children. Severe constipation may result in stool becoming rock-hard and inflexible in the rectum, which is clinically identified as fecal impaction. It is imperative to perform clinical evaluation and treatment, including pharmacological (the use of stimulant and osmotic laxatives) and non-pharmacological (education, changes in diet, intervention to promote positive behavior and address any emotional issues, toilet training, and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor) interventions. In the case of refractory patients, neuromodulation, the irrigation of the anal canal, and surgical management may be needed. It is essential to lead a healthy, stress-free lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) so children can have regular bowel habits and thrive.

A Common Complication in Orthopedic Patients: Postoperative Constipation and Related Risk Factors

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of postoperative constipation and risk factors in orthopedic patients.

DESIGN

A descriptive model was used.

METHODS

A total of 140 patients who underwent surgical intervention in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic were included in the present study. The Descriptive Characteristics Form, Constipation Risk Assessment Scale, and Visual Analog Scale were used to collect the study data. Frequencies, percentages, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman Correlation tests were used to evaluate the data.

FINDINGS

In the present study, 72.1% of the individuals experienced constipation during the hospitalization period, and the constipation risk score was 12.77.á...á4.83. Those who were female, over 65 years old, unemployed, had lower extremity surgery, used opioid analgesics, were dependent on their activities, had prehospital constipation, had a chronic disease, and used drugs regularly had higher constipation risk scores at statistically significant levels. A significant correlation was detected between the constipation risk score and age, pain severity, hospital stay, time to first defecation after surgery, and the amount of fluid consumed daily.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the individuals experienced constipation during the hospitalization period, and the constipation risk score was moderate. Those who were female, had advanced age, were unemployed, had high pain severity, opioid use, previous constipation, chronic disease, regular medication, long hospital stay, those whose first defecation period was prolonged after the surgery and whose fluid intake was insufficient had a higher risk of constipation. In this regard, nurses must evaluate orthopedic patients in terms of constipation risk factors and apply nondrug methods that prevent and relieve constipation with laxatives.

The Role of Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Constipation in Oncological Patients

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy, as well as opioid and antiemetic drugs, can contribute to constipation in oncological patients. This systematic review aims to analyse the potential of specific rehabilitation strategies and alternative strategies for improving constipation symptoms, with the goal of incorporating these strategies into a dedicated protocol for managing cancer-related constipation. This could potentially reduce the dosages of or eliminate the need for constipation medications.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The review included studies analysing constipation complaints in cancer patients treated with rehabilitation, acupuncture and osteopathy.

RESULTS

The review included 16 studies in line with PRISMA and PICOS criteria. Most studies showed that physical exercise, abdominal massage, TENS, acupuncture and education on the correct defecation position positively impacted the management of constipation and quality of life in oncological patients. A physiotherapy program involving massages as well as aerobic and resistance training improved constipation in oncological women, regardless of age, sex and frailty. A combination of abdominal massage, abdominal muscle stretching and education on proper defecation position alleviated the severity of constipation and related depression. However, the outcomes regarding TENS were yet inconsistent. Another technique, becoming increasingly common for constipation, and demonstrating positive results, involved stimulating trigger points through acupressure and acupuncture. Conversely, osteopathic and superficial manipulations more frequently required constipation medications than did the other alternative approaches. However, no existing studies have proposed a specific protocol to manage cancer-related constipation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the studies confirm the positive influences of rehabilitation, osteopathy and acupuncture on constipation and pain in oncological patients. Nevertheless, further studies are required to establish the best type, timing and duration of treatment, as well as how the stage and location of the cancer and the cause of constipation (drug-induced or functional) impact the results.

Constipation: Prevalence in the Portuguese community using Rome IV-Associated factors, toilet behaviours and healthcare seeking

Background

Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health condition and CC management remains challenging.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the CC (and subtypes) prevalence in a Southern Europe Mediterranean country using Rome IV criteria, and to assess related factors, toilet and healthcare seeking behaviours.

Methods

Cross‐sectional epidemiological survey, conducted in general community and representing the Portuguese population according to sex and age. The questionnaire covered bowel habits, factors potentially associated with CC (demographic, health/lifestyle, toilet behaviours) and data regarding healthcare seeking.

Results

From the study data of 1950 individuals were analyzed. The answer rate was 68% and 1335 questionnaires were available for calculation. The CC prevalence was 17.8%, with respectively 9.3% of Functional Constipation (FC) and 8.5% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – subtype constipation (IBS‐C). The likelihood of constipation was significantly higher in younger (OR 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007–1.031), solo (OR 2.48; 95% CI, 1.7–3.47) and low‐income (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.77–3.47) individuals. Constipated individuals spent more time at defecation, longer than 5 min (p = 0.001), and had particular toilet behaviours (absence of a morning pattern [p = 0.008], the use of triggers [p = 0.001] and reading/technological material [p = 0.006]) to facilitate the evacuation. Only 39% of affected individuals sought medical advice, mainly IBS‐C patients (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Chronic constipation seems to impact 1 in each 5 Portuguese. Constipated patients are younger, solo, less active and with low income. They develop a clear toilet behaviour profile. FC and IBS‐C patients assume particular behaviours.

Association between insomnia and constipation: A multicenter 3-year cross-sectional study using shift workers’ health check-up data

Background

Although insomnia and constipation are highly prevalent worldwide, studies examining a possible association between them are lacking. We examined the relationship between insomnia and constipation in shift workers who have a high prevalence of insomnia and other diseases.

Methods

This study had a multicenter cross-sectional design and conducted using health examination data including self-reported questionnaires. In total, 12,879 and 4,650 shift workers were enrolled in Severance Hospital and Wonju Severance Hospital, respectively, during 2015-2017. Multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analysis were performed in each center with the same protocol, using a common data model.

Results

The mean age of the total population was 44.35 (standard deviation = 8.75); the proportion of males was 56.9%. Female sex, being underweight and non-smoker were strongly associated with an increased risk of constipation symptom (p < 0.001). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using ORs of both centers with weights; there was a significant dose–response relationship (sub-threshold 1.76 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62–1.91]; moderate 2.28 [95% CI 2.01–2.60]; severe 4.15 [95% CI 3.18–5.41] in the final model, p for trend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis performed by stratifying sex and pooled ORs showed a similar trend to that of the entire group.

Conclusion

We observed a strong correlation between insomnia and constipation in this population. Our findings may help in formulating guidelines and policies to improve quality of life in shift workers through the management of sleep quality and proper bowel function. This study is the first to report this relationship among people working in shifts.

Prevalence of constipation in adults with obesity class II and III and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Constipation and obesity have common risk factors. However, little is known about the occurrence of constipation in individuals with severe obesity and the associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal constipation and its associated factors in adults with obesity class II and III.

METHOD

This study analyzed baseline data from a randomized clinical trial with adults aged 18-64 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2, living in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, lifestyle, level of obesity, presence of comorbidities, water intake and food consumption variables. The outcome variable was constipation assessed by the Rome III criteria and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Multiple Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between explanatory variables and the outcome.

RESULTS

Among the 150 participants, the prevalence of constipation was 24.67% (95% CI: 17.69-31.64). After multiple regression analyses constipation was associated with polypharmacy (adjusted PR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.18-7.57, p = 0.021), younger age group i.e. 18-29 years (adjusted PR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.21-8.06, p = 0.019) and former smoking (adjusted PR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.28-9.14, p = 0.014). There was no statistically significant association between constipation and daily consumption of fiber-rich foods, however, the non-consumption of whole grains was borderline significant (adjusted PR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.00 to 8.49, p = 0.050).

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of constipation was found in adults with obesity class II and III. Constipation was significantly associated with the simultaneous use of five or more medications, younger age group and being a former smoker.

Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation

With a worldwide prevalence of 15%, chronic constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diagnoses made in ambulatory medicine clinics, and is a common source cause for referrals to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the United States. Symptoms vary among patients; straining, incomplete evacuation, and a sense of anorectal blockage are just as important as decreased stool frequency. Chronic constipation is either a primary disorder (such as normal transit, slow transit, or defecatory disorders) or a secondary one (due to medications or, in rare cases, anatomic alterations). Colonic sensorimotor disturbances and pelvic floor dysfunction (such as defecatory disorders) are the most widely recognized pathogenic mechanisms. Guided by efficacy and cost, management of constipation should begin with dietary fiber supplementation and stimulant and/or osmotic laxatives, as appropriate, followed, if necessary, by intestinal secretagogues and/or prokinetic agents. Peripherally acting μ-opiate antagonists are another option for opioid-induced constipation. Anorectal tests to evaluate for defecatory disorders should be performed in patients who do not respond to over-the-counter agents. Colonic transit, followed if necessary with assessment of colonic motility with manometry and/or a barostat, can identify colonic dysmotility. Defecatory disorders often respond to biofeedback therapy. For specific patients, slow-transit constipation may necessitate a colectomy. No studies have compared inexpensive laxatives with newer drugs with different mechanisms. We review the mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation. We discuss the importance of meticulous analyses of patient history and physical examination, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic testing, guidance for individualized treatment, and management of medically refractory patients.

Effects of Probiotic Use on Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Constipated Female University Students: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a probiotic supplement containing two genera and five species of bacteria versus placebo on the quality of life (QoL) in female university students with intestinal constipation (IC). Design: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on female university students in a single study center. Settings/Location: Two phases of interventions were carried out, the pilot and main study. All participants were female students of Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Subjects: Female students whose ages ranged from 20 to 40 years and self-reported to be suffering from IC based on a questionnaire containing Rome III criteria were included. Interventions: Interventions occurred during a period of 30 days in the pilot phase (n = 32) and 15 days in the main study phase (n = 63). The subjects were numbered and randomly divided into experimental probiotic and placebo control groups. Therefore, neither the participants nor the researchers were aware of the allocations of the treatment groups. Outcome measures: The sociodemographic, Rome III, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) and International Physical Activity questionnaires, and anthropometric measures were utilized. The relative risk (RR) treatment effect, absolute risk reduction (ARR), RR reduction, number needed to treat (NNT), and odds ratio were calculated. Results: Improvement in the QoL (ARR = 14% and p < 0.01) and satisfaction (ARR = 44% and p < 0.01) according to the PAC-QoL questionnaire was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. For probiotic supplementation, an NNT = 7 was obtained. This implies that for every seven constipated women treated, a worsening in the QoL is prevented in one. An NNT = 1 was obtained concerning satisfaction in the same group of women with respect to the treatment. No clinically significant observations related to the safety of the product were reported. The authors did not detect the effect of exercise intensity on the QoL of participants. Conclusion: The probiotic supplementation had a positive impact on the QoL of constipated female university students.

Polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints for treatment of simple obesity in adults: a randomized control trial

Background

Acupoint catgut embedding therapy characterized by acupoint, needle and catgut are superior to traditional acupuncture, due to exerting more comprehensive therapeutic efficacy. However, it is still deficient in clinical evidence for polyglycolic acid sutures, a novel biodegradable material instead of catgut, embedded for the treatment of simple obesity. In our study, we investigate the efficacy and related mechanism of polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints on simple obese persons by a randomized control trial.

Methods

A total of 51 eligible participators were randomly allocated to a polyglycolic acid sutures embedding therapy (PASET) group (n = 28) or control group (n = 23). Participators in PASET group received polyglycolic acid sutures alternatively embedded in abdominal I group and II group acupoints in odd and even number therapeutic courses, and participators in control group were required to perform lifestyle modification. The duration of the study was 10 weeks.

Results

It suggested that PASET significantly reduced weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue compared with those before treatment (p < 0.01), but lifestyle modification only illustrated downward trend of weight (p < 0.05). Moreover, PASET group also improved the evaluated scores in aspects of physical function, self-esteem, public distress and sexual life, as well as decreased blood pressure, glycemia, low density lipoprotein, uric acid and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and increased high density lipoprotein in comparison with those before treatment (p < 0.05), whose efficacies are superior to control group. Additionally, our results also indicate PASET is relative safe and its pain and discomfort can be tolerable.

Conclusions

PASET distinctly ameliorates anthropometric data and quality of life in obese population, which associates with improvements of metabolic profile and inflammatory response. Based on the advantageous actions, we think PASET is an effective therapeutic approach to simple obesity treatment.

Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800015591. Registered 10 April 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=23258

Exercise therapy in patients with constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise therapy has shown significant efficacy as a means of treating various intestinal diseases, but its role in the treatment of constipation is still unclear. The purpose of this study was thus to analyze the effects of exercise on constipation by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and three Chinese databases [Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)] were searched for relevant studies published through June 2018. Eligible studies were selected in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The main results of interest were changes in gastrointestinal symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of nine randomized controlled trials involving 680 participants were included. Eight studies involved aerobic exercise and only one study involved anaerobic exercise. The aerobic exercises included were Qigong, walking and physical movement. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that exercise had significant benefits as a means of improving the symptoms of constipation patients [relative risk (RR) = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19, 3.27; p = .009; I²=91.3%]. Subgroup analyses showed that aerobic exercise (RR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.36; p = .000; I²=88%) similarly had a positive effect on constipation. However, these results were associated with a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that exercise may be a feasible and effective treatment option for patients with constipation. However, due to methodological shortcomings, the real effect of this intervention cannot be definitively determined. Researchers should, therefore, design more rigorous studies in order to evaluate the effect of exercise on constipation.

The Association Between Constipation or Stool Consistency and Pain Severity in Patients With Chronic Pain

Background

Bacteria can influence a variety of gut functions. Some studies showed that stool consistency and constipation were associated with gut microbiome (GM) composition, and enterotype, dysbiosis. Growing evidence indicates the significant role of GM in the homeostatic function of the host body. The GM may regulate multiple neurochemical and neurometabolic pathways. Chronicity of the pain is actively modulated at the molecular to the network level by means of several neurotransmitters. The GM to some extent can affect pain perception.

Objectives

The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between constipation state or usual stool form and pain severity of patients with chronic pain.

Methods

The current study was conducted on 365 patients with chronic pain. The participants were evaluated on their stool form (the Bristol stool form scale; BSFS), constipation state (the Cleveland clinic constipation score; CCCS), body mass index (BMI), and usual pain severity (numerical rating scale; NRS). In addition, the participants were assigned into five groups according to the pain region (i e, low back and/or lower limb, whole body, neck and/or upper back and/or upper limb, head and/or face, chest and/or abdominal).

Results

The CCS showed a significant and positive association with the pain severity of the total patients and patients with low back and/or lower limb pain. Simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses revealed that a predictor of the pain severity was the CCS for the total patients and patients with low back and/or lower limb, whole body pain.

Conclusions

Constipation displayed a significant and positive association with the pain severity of the total patients and patients with low back and/or lower limb pain, whole body.