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Abdominal Massage for Adults with an Intellectual Disability and Constipation: A Feasibility Pilot Study

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Title: Abdominal Massage for Adults with an Intellectual Disability and Constipation: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Language: English
Authors: Janet Finlayson (ORCID 0000-0001-8445-3581), Kirsteen Goodman, Jennifer Crockett, Sudhakar Sharma, Josephine Kelly, Ceri Sellers, Suzanne Hagen (ORCID 0000-0002-9741-9160)
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(2).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Physical Therapy, Human Body, Intervention, Physiology, Adults, Intellectual Disability, Feasibility Studies, Pilot Projects, Drug Therapy, Outcomes of Treatment
DOI: 10.1111/jar.70207
ISSN: 1360-2322
1468-3148
Abstract: Background: Between 33% and 50% of adults with an intellectual disability experience constipation. The predominant treatment of laxatives is poorly managed and lacks efficacy over time. Aim: The aim was to determine the feasibility of, and pilot, abdominal massage for adults with an intellectual disability and constipation, administered by their supporter at home, to alleviate their symptoms. Method: Adults with an intellectual disability and constipation were randomised, using a 3:1 ratio, into intervention and control groups. Supporters of adults in the intervention group received training and completed abdominal massage sessions with the person over a 6-week period. Results: Thirty-one adults and their supporters participated--24 intervention and 7 control groups. Abdominal massage was found to be a feasible non-pharmacological intervention to use in this population. Conclusion: A large trial is required to determine the effectiveness of this intervention. Co-production is also needed to develop tailored constipation symptoms assessment for this population.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503974
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Abdominal Massage for Adults with an Intellectual Disability and Constipation: A Feasibility Pilot Study
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Janet+Finlayson%22">Janet Finlayson</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8445-3581">0000-0001-8445-3581</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kirsteen+Goodman%22">Kirsteen Goodman</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jennifer+Crockett%22">Jennifer Crockett</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sudhakar+Sharma%22">Sudhakar Sharma</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Josephine+Kelly%22">Josephine Kelly</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ceri+Sellers%22">Ceri Sellers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Suzanne+Hagen%22">Suzanne Hagen</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9741-9160">0000-0002-9741-9160</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Applied+Research+in+Intellectual+Disabilities%22"><i>Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities</i></searchLink>. 2026 39(2).
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Physical+Therapy%22">Physical Therapy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Human+Body%22">Human Body</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Intervention%22">Intervention</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Physiology%22">Physiology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adults%22">Adults</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Intellectual+Disability%22">Intellectual Disability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Feasibility+Studies%22">Feasibility Studies</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Pilot+Projects%22">Pilot Projects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Drug+Therapy%22">Drug Therapy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Outcomes+of+Treatment%22">Outcomes of Treatment</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1111/jar.70207
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  Data: 1360-2322<br />1468-3148
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Background: Between 33% and 50% of adults with an intellectual disability experience constipation. The predominant treatment of laxatives is poorly managed and lacks efficacy over time. Aim: The aim was to determine the feasibility of, and pilot, abdominal massage for adults with an intellectual disability and constipation, administered by their supporter at home, to alleviate their symptoms. Method: Adults with an intellectual disability and constipation were randomised, using a 3:1 ratio, into intervention and control groups. Supporters of adults in the intervention group received training and completed abdominal massage sessions with the person over a 6-week period. Results: Thirty-one adults and their supporters participated--24 intervention and 7 control groups. Abdominal massage was found to be a feasible non-pharmacological intervention to use in this population. Conclusion: A large trial is required to determine the effectiveness of this intervention. Co-production is also needed to develop tailored constipation symptoms assessment for this population.
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  Data: 2026
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      – SubjectFull: Human Body
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