Study on the Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention Programs for Constipation Improvement

Recent studies aimed at alleviating constipation have primarily focused on older adults. This study assessed the effects of a lifestyle intervention program on improving constipation in adults. It explored how comprehensive lifestyle changes―such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity―affect constipation symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiome composition.<br/> Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group(n=33) or the control group(n=33). In the final analysis, 63 participants were included, comprising 30 from the intervention group and 33 from the control group.<br/> The intervention group engaged in a 30-day program designed to enhance dietary fiber and water intake while promoting a goal of walking 7,000 steps per day. In contrast, the control group continued their usual lifestyle without any intervention.<br/> The results showed that the intervention group experienced significant improvements in the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Constipation Assessment Scale, and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life when compared to the control group. Additionally, gut microbiome analysis indicated an increase in the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, Prevotella, and Prevotella copri, along with a decrease in Coriobacteriaceae and Collinsella aerofaciens in the intervention group.<br/> These findings suggest that a lifestyle intervention can effectively alleviate constipation symptoms and positively influence the gut microbiome balance in adults.