Abstract
The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of two types of hot compresses to the lumbar region on relieving constipation. This research design was the quasi-experimental research. The bowel movements, subjective constipation symptoms and taking laxatives were compared before and after being treated with compresses for four weeks. The subjects were 55 healthy women who had constipation. Twenty seven subjects with a mean age of 31.9 received heat and steam-generating sheets of 60℃ for ten minutes a day, and 28 subjects with a mean age of 33.5 received the same sheets of 40℃ for five hours a day. It was confirmed that 60℃ compresses significantly increased the total number of bowel movements from 18.9 to 22.1 and the number of days laxatives were taken was reduced significantly from 3.9 days to 2.0 day. 40℃ compresses significantly reduced the number of weeks of subjective constipation symptoms from 3.1 weeks to 1.7 weeks. 40℃ compresses significantly reduced the number of days of no defecation from13.1 days to 11.1days. The results were achieved with both 60℃ and 40℃ hot compresses to the lumbar region to ease constipation. But there were some different points of effects, and the reaction for the stimulation of the heat was discussed.
