Ayas et al. 2006; Turkey
Downs & Black = 18
Pre-post
N=24

Population: Age: mean 39.8 years, range 33.1-46.6; Level of injury: C4 to L3, 10 subjects with supraconal lesions, 14 with caudal/conal lesions; 15 with complete SCI and 9 with incomplete SCI; FIM score: mean 76.3, range 68.9-83.7; TSI: mean 136.54 days, range 70.12-202.95.
Treatment: Abdominal massage beginning at the cecum and extending along the length of the colon to the rectum
Outcome Measures: Colonic transit times, frequency of defecation

1. Mean frequencies of defecation increased from 3.79±2.15 (range 2.75-4.55) to 4.61±2.17 (range 3.67-5.54) per week
2. Mean total colonic transit time decreased from 90.60±32.67 (range 75.87-110.47) hours to 72±34.10 (range 58.49-94.40) hours with abdominal massage