Effects of Abdominal Massage on Bowel Activity and Pulmonary Function Test Results in Older Patients Undergoing Partial Hip Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine effects of abdominal massage (AM) on bowel activity and pulmonary function test results in older patients after surgery. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This study was conducted with 78 older patients with partial hip replacement. The intervention group (n = 39) received AM for 15 minutes at least 30 minutes after the morning and evening meals after surgery. The control group (n = 39) received routine nursing care. The bowel activity (intra-abdominal pressure, number of bowel sounds) and pulmonary function test results were measured before surgery, on the first evening after surgery, in the morning and evening on days 1 to 3 after surgery, and before and after AM. FINDINGS: The bowel activity and pulmonary function test results of the patients in the study group improved significantly faster (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: AM is effective to improving bowel activity and pulmonary function test results in older patients after surgery.