Effectiveness and safety of digital rectal stimulation and abdominal massage for neurogenic bowel dysfunction in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a prevalent complication among stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life, duration of hospitalization, medical expenses, and even mortality. Although current guidelines suggest a conservative strategy for addressing bowel dysfunction, which includes techniques such as digital rectal stimulation (DRS) and abdominal massage, the availability of interventions remains limited in healthcare facilities. METHODS: This study follows a prospective randomized controlled parallel-group clinical trial design. The control group will receive standard care, while the intervention group will undergo a program that combines DRS and abdominal massage in addition to standard care. The duration of the intervention for both groups will be 6 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the Wexner score. Furthermore, secondary outcomes measure will be assessed, including Bristol score, Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QoL), and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FI-QoL). DISCUSSION: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a bowel rehabilitation program for stroke patients with NBD. The findings will provide information that can contribute to the formulation of bowel management strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Registry under the number ChiCTR2300071709. This registration was completed on May 23, 2023. All items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data set are described in this manuscript. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-023-07678-2.