New research into abdominal massage and constipation
23 February 2010
We have awarded an innovation grant
of nearly £34,000 to investigate whether abdominal massage can help
with constipation in people with Parkinson's.
If the research finds that abdominal massage is helpful, it will give people with Parkinson's an easy way to relieve constipation at home.
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research
The grant has been awarded to Dr Doreen McClurg at Glasgow
Caledonian University.
Almost 40% of people with Parkinson's develop constipation after
diagnosis. This can be caused by difficulties with chewing and
swallowing food, which means that fibre isn't absorbed, and
bloating can occur.
Lack of exercise can also affect bowel movements. Many people
with Parkinson's find it hard to exercise regularly.
Constipation can affect quality of life
Constipation may not be life-threatening but it can affect
quality of life. It can put pressure on the bladder, which can
sometimes lead to embarrassing accidents.
It can also affect the way levodopa, the main drug used to treat
Parkinson's, is absorbed by the body, with the result that it
doesn't work as well.
What the researchers will do
Dr McClurg and her team will give 30 people with Parkinson's or
their carers training in abdominal massage and advice over a 6 week
period to find out if it's practical to teach.
Another group will receive advice, but no training.
At the same time the research team will gather information about
the bowel habits, history of Parkinson's, medication, bladder
problems and quality of life from people with Parkinson's both
before and after learning abdominal massage.
Depending on the results, the researchers can then go on to do a
larger study.
Funding new treatments
Dr Kieran Breen, our Director of Research and Development,
comments:
"It can be difficult and embarrassing for people with
Parkinson's to deal with bladder and bowel problems, but they can
have a huge impact on day to day living.
"This research will highlight the effect of constipation on the
quality of life of people with Parkinson's.
"If the research finds that abdominal massage is helpful, it
will give people with Parkinson's an easy way to relieve
constipation at home, without needing medication and without
side-effects.
"We are passionate about funding practical new treatments, which
is what our innovation grant programme is all."
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