Abdominal Distension, Colonoscopy Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Foot bath, Hydrotherapy, Warm water, Colonoscopy, Pain, Abdominal distension, Flatus
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a 30-minute foot bath with warm water (40-41°C) after colonoscopy reduces post-procedure pain and abdominal distension and shortens the time to first passage of flatus. Ninety adults undergoing planned colonoscopy were randomized to a foot bath group or standard care. Pain and distension were assessed using a visual analog scale at 0, 15, and 30 minutes after the procedure. Time to first flatus and overall satisfaction were also recorded.
Detailed description
Participants (n=90) were randomized 1:1 to receive a warm foot bath (40-41°C for 30 minutes) immediately after colonoscopy or to receive standard care only. Outcomes included post-colonoscopy pain and abdominal distension measured with a 0-10 VAS at 0, 15, and 30 minutes; time to first flatus recorded in minutes based on participant report; and overall satisfaction measured using VAS at the end of the observation period. The study was conducted in a university hospital endoscopy unit between April 2024 and December 2025.
Interventions
OTHERWarm foot bath
Warm water foot bath (40-41°C) for 30 minutes applied after colonoscopy.
Sponsors
Kocaeli University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Parallel Assignment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for planned colonoscopy * Able to speak and understand Turkish * Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Foot deformity and/or neurologic nerve damage * Foot amputation * Communication problems * Chronic analgesic use * Substance dependence * Undergoing just upper endoscopy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post-colonoscopy pain intensity (VAS) | 0, 15, and 30 minutes after colonoscopy | Pain intensity measured using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS); higher scores indicate greater pain. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post-colonoscopy abdominal distension (VAS) | 0, 15, and 30 minutes after colonoscopy. | Distension severity measured using a 0-10 VAS; higher scores indicate greater distension. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORYasemin Özhanlı, Assist. Prof
Kocaeli University
STUDY_CHAIRHATİCE MERVE ALPTEKİN, Assist. Prof
Kocaeli University
STUDY_CHAIRSEVAL ULUBAY, PhD
SAMSUN HOSPITAL
STUDY_CHAIRENES ŞAHİN, Assoc. Prof.
Kocaeli University
Outcome results
None listed