PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical therapy in women diagnosed with chronic constipation using functional training of the pelvic floor (biofeedback). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2010, 67 women with chronic constipation were prospectively evaluated. The patients were evaluated and the constipation score proposed by Agachan et al. was applied. Then, they were sent to biofeedback. These patients were divided into 2 groups: with anismus (group I: mean age of 46.90 years old) and without anismus (group II: mean age of 44.89 years old) and diagnosed by anorectal electromanometry. The treatment was performed with different exercises for each group, associated with some hygieno-dietetic directions. At the end of treatment, the constipation score was reapplied. RESULTS: Pre-biofeedback constipation score in group I was 15.04 (standard deviation - SD=2.48) and post-biofeedback constipation score was 3.39 (SD=1.62) (p<0.0001). Pre-biofeedback constipation score in group II was 14.82 (SD=2.401) and post-biofeedback constipation score was 2.90 (SD=1.64) (p<0.0001). Besides, a significant difference (p<0.005) was observed between the groups regarding the number of biofeedback sessions. CONCLUSION: Thus, the authors conclude that biofeedback is effective in the treatment of constipation.
biofeedback; constipation; pelvic floor
