Clinical Trial: Effect of Abdominal Vibration Combined With Walking Exercise Programme on Bowel Preparation in Older Patients With Constipation

Older patients with constipation are at an increased risk of inadequate bowel preparation. To assess the effectiveness of an abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) programme compared to walking exercise (WE) and standard preparation regimens for bowel preparation in older patients with constipation. This three-arm randomised controlled trial involved 271 older patients with constipation scheduled for colonoscopy. Patients assigned to the AVCWE group were asked to walk independently for at least 5500 steps and received two cycles of moderate-intensity abdominal vibrations. Patients in the WE group were required to walk independently for at least 5500 steps, whereas patients in the control group received only the standard regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate bowel preparation, defined as a total score of ≥ 6 on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. The rate of adequate bowel preparation in the AVCWE group (92.2%) was significantly higher than in the WE group (78.9%) and the control group (60.4%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the AVCWE group had statistically significant increases in adenoma detection rate (p = 0.003) and patient satisfaction (p < 0.001), and a reduced incidence of bloating (p = 0.016). Logistic regression analysis identified first colonoscopy (OR = 2.329), laxative use ≥ 3 times per week (OR = 2.675) and poor dietary compliance (OR = 2.249) as risk factors for inadequate preparation. This provides empirical evidence suggesting that AVCWE may help improve bowel preparation quality among older patients with constipation. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Number: ChiCTR2300067667.