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

## TL;DR

This study explores whether home-based abdominal massage can help adults with intellectual disabilities and constipation, finding it feasible but needing further testing.

## Contribution

The study introduces abdominal massage as a feasible non-pharmacological intervention for managing constipation in adults with intellectual disabilities.

## Key findings

- Abdominal massage was found to be a feasible non-pharmacological intervention for adults with intellectual disability and constipation.
- A large trial is needed to determine the effectiveness of abdominal massage in this population.
- There is a need to co-produce a tailored constipation assessment tool for this population.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adults with an intellectual disability experience high rates of constipation, but laxatives prescribed to alleviate constipation symptoms are poorly managed and lack efficacy over time.Home‐based abdominal massage is a feasible non‐pharmacological intervention for adults with intellectual disability and their supporters.There is an urgent need to co‐produce a constipation assessment tool with adults with an intellectual disability, their supporters and clinicians.

Adults with an intellectual disability experience high rates of constipation, but laxatives prescribed to alleviate constipation symptoms are poorly managed and lack efficacy over time.

Home‐based abdominal massage is a feasible non‐pharmacological intervention for adults with intellectual disability and their supporters.

There is an urgent need to co‐produce a constipation assessment tool with adults with an intellectual disability, their supporters and clinicians.