RECENT RESEARCH
Background : Chronic constipation is a common distressing symptom . Abdominal massage is a safe , noninvasive , and comfortable intervention . However , it is rarely used in formal clinical practice as its ' effectiveness for chronic constipation remains unclear .
Objective : This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of abdominal massage on defecation frequency , stool consistency , colonic transit time , constipation symptoms , quality of life , laxative use , and adverse events in adults . Additionally , we aimed to compare the effectiveness of abdominal massage in chronic constipation with different etiologies and types of abdominal massage techniques .
Methods : Data from eight English and Chinese electronic databases until May 15 , 2024 , including randomized controlled trials ( RCT ) and quasiexperimental studies , were used . The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool . Results were synthesized using a randomeffect model . This study was registered on the 7th of January 2023 to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ( PROSPERO , CRD42023385243 ).
Results : A total of 23 studies with 1431 participants were eligible for the meta-analysis . Abdominal massage statistically significantly increased weekly defecation frequency ( MD = 1.59 ; 95 % CI 1.06 , 2.11 ; df = 10 ; I2 = 82 %), decreased gut transit time ( MD = -21.53 h ; 95 % CI -35.94 , -7.12 ; df = 3 ; I2 = 65 %), and decreased constipation symptoms ( SMD = -1.06 ; 95 % CI -1.33 , -0.80 ; df = 18 ; I2 = 79 %) as compared to the control group ; however , it did not reduce laxative use ( OR : 0.43 , 95 % CI 0.14 , 1.34 , p = 0.15 ; I2 = 74 %). In subgroup analysis , the effectiveness of defecation frequency appeared to be greater for functional constipation ( SMD = 1.23 ; 95 % CI 0.87 , 1.60 ; df = 6 ; I2 = 86 %) as compared to opioidinduced constipation ( SMD = 1.06 ; 95 % CI 0.61 , 1.50 ; df = 5 ; I2 = 5 %) or neurogenic bowel dysfunction ( SMD = 0.68 ; 95 % CI 0.26 , 1.10 ; df = 4 ; I2 = 51 %). There were statistically significant differences in defecation frequency between the functional constipation and neurogenic bowel dysfunction groups ( p = 0.075 ). Acupressure and aromatherapy massage had a greater effect on defecation frequency ( SMD = 1.63 ; 95 % CI 1.06 , 2.21 ; df = 3 ; I2 = 86 %) than circular massage ( SMD = 0.90 ; 95 % CI 0.57 , 1.22 ; df = 10 ; I2 = 68 %) or electric device massages ( SMD = 0.83 ; 95 % CI 0.15 , 1.51 ; df = 1 ; I2 = 82 %); however , high heterogeneity and a limited number of articles were encountered . No adverse reactions were observed in the non-neurogenic bowel dysfunction group .
Conclusion : This study reveals the efficacy of abdominal massage in alleviating symptoms of chronic constipation , as well as the differences in the effectiveness of different constipation types and massage techniques . Patients , caregivers , and health professionals can select abdominal massage techniques based on their effectiveness in specific type of constipation or troublesome symptoms .
Win Myint O , Yoong SQ , Toh E , Lei F , Jiang Y . Effectiveness of massage therapy for cancer pain , quality of life and anxiety levels : A systematic review and meta-analysis . J Clin Nurs . 2025 Jan ; 34 ( 1 ): 49-87 . doi : 10.1111 / jocn . 17547
Aim : To synthesise the effectiveness of massage therapy for cancer pain , quality of life and anxiety among patients with cancer .
Design : Systematic review and metaanalysis .
Methods : This review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines . Studies evaluating the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain , quality of life or anxiety in patients with cancer pain were eligible . The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment , Development and Evaluation were used to assess the quality of studies . Outcomes were pooled using standardised mean differences and narratively synthesised when meta-analysis was not possible .
Data sources : Pubmed , EMBASE , Web of Science , CINAHL , CENTRAL , Google Scholar , ProQuest Theses and Dissertations were searched for English peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published from inception to 8 January 2024 .
Results : Thirty-six RCTs involving 3671 participants were included . Massage therapy significantly improved pain ( pooled SMD = -0.51 , 95 % CI -0.68 to -0.33 ), quality of life ( pooled SMD = 0.48 , 95 % CI 0.19-0.78 when higher scores indicate better quality of life ; pooled SMD = -0.52 , 95 % CI -0.88 to -0.16 when higher scores indicate poorer quality of life ) and anxiety ( pooled SMD = -0.38 , 95 % CI : -0.57 to -0.18 ) postintervention . All outcomes had very low certainty of evidence . Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias .
Conclusion : This review found that massage therapy is beneficial to patients with cancer in improving pain , quality of life and anxiety . Healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals should recognise the value of massage therapy to enhance the care of patients with cancer pain .
Makvandi S , Hadizadeh-Talasaz Z , Nosrati Hadi Abad SF , Manouchehri E , Larki M . Effectiveness of sacral massage during labor in pregnant women : A systematic review and meta-analysis . Midwifery . 2025 Feb ; 141:104252 . doi : 10.1016 / j . midw . 2024.104252
Background and aim : Performing sacral massage during the childbirth process can provide numerous benefits due to its potential to alleviate stress and exhaustion . This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of sacral massage in pregnant women during labor .
Method : A comprehensive search was conducted in main databases from inception to 18th May 2024 . The
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