[Effects of carbonated water intake on constipation in elderly patients following a cerebrovascular accident].

PURPOSE

This study was done to identify effects of carbonated water intake on constipation in elders who have experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and are bed-ridden.

METHODS

Forty elderly patients with CVA were randomly assigned to one of two groups in a double-blind study. Patients in the experimental group drank carbonated water and those in the control group drank tap water for two weeks. Six patients dropped out during the study period. Data were analyzed by repeated measured ANCOVA and the covariance was the dose of laxatives used for the two weeks.

RESULTS

Frequency of defecation increased significantly and symptoms of constipation decreased significantly for patients in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

The study results suggest that the intake of carbonated water is an effective method for the intervention of constipation in elderly patients with CVA.