ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was aimed at developing an efficient nursing method for the management of constipation by comparing the effects of abdominal meridian massage on the symptoms of constipation. METHOD: The subjects were determined by the Rome II criteria and the Constipation Assessment Scale from Aug 30 through Sep 26, 2002. They were randomly divided into two groups: one experimental group of 16, another control group of 15. Abdominal meridian massage was given to the experimental group and no massage was given to the control group. The frequency of defecation and severity of constipation by CAS were measured. The data was analyzed with the t-test, chi-square-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in frequency of defecation, and severity of constipation in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Abdominal meridian massage can be considered an effective nursing method for the management of constipation among CVA patients.