Effect of Cold Hip Bath on Constipation Severity, Bowel-Related Quality of Life and Stool Characteristics: A Pre–Post Interventional Study

Sandeep S.; Kiran Kodhai P.

Effect of Cold Hip Bath on Constipation Severity, Bowel-Related Quality of Life and Stool Characteristics: A Pre–Post Interventional Study

Author(s)	Dr. Sandeep S., Kiran Kodhai P.
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint that impairs quality of life. Cold hip bath, a naturopathic hydrotherapy procedure, is traditionally used to stimulate peristalsis and relieve pelvic congestion, but controlled clinical evaluation with validated scores remains limited. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a 10-day cold hip bath protocol on constipation severity, bowel-related quality of life and selected stool characteristics in subjects with constipation. Materials and Methods: A single-group pre–post pilot study was conducted on 10 participants (7 male, 3 female; age 18–60 years) with constipation at GNCYMC&H, Mysuru. Participants received cold hip bath (water temperature approximately 14–24°C) for 15–20 minutes daily for 10 days. Outcomes were Dissatisfaction Index and Satisfaction Score (quality-of-life scale for constipation), Wexner Constipation Score, and descriptive Bristol stool parameters (volume, colour, odour), assessed on Day 1 and Day 10. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests; effect sizes were expressed as Cohen’s d. Results: Highly significant improvements were observed in primary outcomes. Dissatisfaction Index decreased from 37.30 ± 10.47 to 20.60 ± 6.93 (Δ −16.70, p = 0.002, d = −2.77). Satisfaction Score increased from 5.10 ± 2.69 to 12.30 ± 2.16 (Δ +7.20, p = 0.002, d = 2.95). Wexner Constipation Score decreased from 11.10 ± 5.99 to 7.20 ± 4.61 (Δ −3.90, p = 0.002, d = −2.04). All 10 participants improved on these three measures. Changes in stool volume, colour and odour were small and non-significant. Conclusion: Cold hip bath over 10 days was associated with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in constipation severity and bowel-related quality of life. Larger controlled trials are warranted.
Keywords	Constipation; Cold hip bath; Hydrotherapy; Wexner Constipation Score; Quality of life; Bristol stool chart; Naturopathy; Peristalsis
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-12

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Effect of Cold Hip Bath on Constipation Severity, Bowel-Related Quality of Life and Stool Characteristics: A Pre–Post Interventional Study

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