Effects of Several Physical Exercises on Motivation of Excretion Reflex Publisher



Esfandiari E ; Feizi A ; Ebrahimi A ; Amini SG ; Gharibvand NM ; Mohammadi MY
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. This health problem widely affects two age groups, the elderly and children. It has negative impacts on patients' quality of life and productivity, imposing a significant economic burden on the healthcare system of the country. Therefore, in a quasi-experimental intervention study, the effect of several physical exercises on the treatment of this digestive disorder was investigated. Methods: Twenty medical students between the ages of 19 and 25 voluntarily participated in this study. Questionnaires were distributed among them, and they were asked to perform the exercise movements, demonstrated in a video provided with the questionnaire, carefully 10 times per movement in three sessions: in the evening before sleep, in the morning after waking, and after lunch. They were also asked to accurately answer the questions in two questionnaires before and after performing the exercises. Findings: In this quasi-experimental intervention, the data obtained were analyzed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient and the binomial test. In the kappa test, a P-value greater than 0.05 is considered significant. As shown in the tables, the kappa coefficient was close to zero, indicating that the conditions of the participants before and after the exercise intervention were not the same. In all cases, P was greater than 0.05, which indicates the positive effect of the physical exercises on improving gastrointestinal function. Conclusion: The physical exercises which bent body completely from each sides, can motivate excretion reflex and treat constipation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.