Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia · Published 2026-07-10 · DOI 10.17267/2238-2704rpf.2026.e6670
Nijidha Manshi, Vignesh Srinivasan, Ahalya Sreekumaran, Prathap Suganthirababu
INTRODUCTION: Constipation is common in people with untreated type 2 diabetes due to autonomic neuropathy and impaired vagal regulation of bowel motility that negatively impacts their quality of life and general well-being. Although abdominal massage is commonly used to support bowel movement, there is little information on the utility of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) in diabetes constipation. However, the combined application of these two non-invasive interventions in a single patient with inadequate glycemic control has not been previously reported. This study explores the effect of taVNS paired with abdominal massage in an individual with inadequate glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the combined effect of taVNS and abdominal massage on constipation in an individual with inadequate glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHOD: A 50-year-old male with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control and persistent constipation requiring regular laxative use underwent taVNS combined with abdominal massage for four weeks. The taVNS was administered three times per week for 20 minutes (25 Hz, 25 mA), followed by 20 minutes of abdominal massage daily. Outcomes were assessed using the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire, with pre- and post- intervention comparisons. RESULTS: The participant showed a decrease in PAC-SYM score and stool consistency improved from Bristol type 2 to type 4. No adverse events were observed during the intervention period. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrated that combined use of taVNS and abdominal massage may be considered a supportive physiotherapy treatment for diabetes constipation.
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Manshi, N., Srinivasan, V., Sreekumaran, A., et al. (2026). Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation associated with abdominal massage on constipation in an individual with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control: a case report. Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia. https://doi.org/10.17267/2238-2704rpf.2026.e6670