The effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background: There is no evidence regarding the effects of reflexology on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. This study was planned to investigate the effects of reflexology combined with neurodevelopmental therapy on constipation and motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Forty children between the ages of 3 and 15 years with cerebral palsy within levels 3/4/5 according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. While children in Group 1 received neurodevelopmental therapy, children in Group 2 also received reflexology. The therapy continued for two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each session of neurodevelopmental therapy lasted for 45–60 min and reflexology took around 20 min. Motor performance of the children was evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) while constipation was assessed with the Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in the GMFM scores after therapy (<0.001). In the group where neurodevelopmental therapy was applied together with reflexology, there was a decrease in MCAS scores (<0.001). Conclusion: NGT improved motor performance in both groups and adding reflexology to therapy had a positive effect on constipation. We suggest applying reflexology to children with cerebral palsy who experience constipation problems.

Keywords

• cerebral palsy
• constipation
• motor performance
• reflexology