Evaluating Abdominal Massage to Improve Gut Function in Adults on Mechanical Ventilation Receiving Enteral Nutrition in Intensive Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how abdominal massage affects gastrointestinal functions in patients who are mechanically ventilated and receiving enteral nutrition in intensive care units. This study aims to assess abdominal massages impact on bowel movement frequency, gastric residual volume, and abdominal distension. The trial is designed as a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial to provide scientific evidence for abdominal massage use in this patient group. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving abdominal massage or a control group receiving standard care without massage. Abdominal massage is performed twice daily for 15 minutes over three days using specific techniques like effleurage, petrissage, and vibration. The massage is given at the bedside in a semi-Fowler position before enteral feeding, with routine nursing care provided to all patients. Throughout the study, researchers monitor bowel movements, gastric residual volume, abdominal distension, and stool consistency using specialized forms and scales twice daily. Data collection includes clinical assessments such as Glasgow Coma Scale and APACHE II scoring. The study lasts three days for each patient, with detailed recording of gastrointestinal function parameters to evaluate the effects of abdominal massage compared to standard care.

"The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Functions in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Receiving Enteral Nutrition in Intensive Care"