TY - JOUR
T1 - Successful physical therapy for constipation related to puborectalis dyssynergia improves symptom severity and quality of life
AU - Lewicky-Gaupp, Christina
AU - Morgan, Daniel M.
AU - Chey, William D.
AU - Muellerleile, Philip
AU - Fenner, Dee E.
PY - 2008/11
Y1 - 2008/11
N2 - PURPOSE: This study evaluated symptom severity and quality of life in patients with puborectalis dyssynergia before and after physical therapy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with puborectalis dyssynergia were prospectively enrolled into a multidisciplinary program for the treatment of pelvic floor and bowel disorders in this case series. All patients had functional constipation and evidence of puborectalis dyssynergia. Physical therapy and behavioral counseling were offered to all. Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Symptom Questionnaire, and the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixteen patients successfully completed the program. Symptom severity decreased after physical therapy (2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.007). Quality of life also improved significantly (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0, P = 0.007). Patients reported less physical discomfort, fewer worries/concerns, and indicated satisfaction with treatment. The difference in symptom severity was highly correlated with improvement in quality of life (r = 0.7, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Successful physical therapy for patients with puborectalis dyssynergia is associated with improvements in constipation-related symptoms and in quality of life.
AB - PURPOSE: This study evaluated symptom severity and quality of life in patients with puborectalis dyssynergia before and after physical therapy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with puborectalis dyssynergia were prospectively enrolled into a multidisciplinary program for the treatment of pelvic floor and bowel disorders in this case series. All patients had functional constipation and evidence of puborectalis dyssynergia. Physical therapy and behavioral counseling were offered to all. Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Symptom Questionnaire, and the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixteen patients successfully completed the program. Symptom severity decreased after physical therapy (2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.007). Quality of life also improved significantly (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0, P = 0.007). Patients reported less physical discomfort, fewer worries/concerns, and indicated satisfaction with treatment. The difference in symptom severity was highly correlated with improvement in quality of life (r = 0.7, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Successful physical therapy for patients with puborectalis dyssynergia is associated with improvements in constipation-related symptoms and in quality of life.
KW - Constipation
KW - Physical therapy
KW - Quality of life
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U2 - 10.1007/s10350-008-9392-3
DO - 10.1007/s10350-008-9392-3
M3 - Article
C2 - 18584250
AN - SCOPUS:54949157185
SN - 0012-3706
VL - 51
SP - 1686
EP - 1691
JO - Diseases of the colon and rectum
JF - Diseases of the colon and rectum
IS - 11
ER -