PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) and Kinesio Taping (KT) on constipation and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Forty children diagnosed with chronic constipation based on Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to CTM group (6 females, 7 males; 8 y 6 mo (SD 3 y 4 mo)), KT group (7 female, 7 male; 8 y 7 mo (SD 3 y 5 mo)) or control group (6 female, 7 male; 8 y 3 mo (SD 3 y 6 mo)). All patients were assessed with 7-day bowel diaries, Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), visual analog scale (VAS), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL). Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon's signed-rank, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine intra-group and inter-group differences. The level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among the CTM, KT, and control groups, there were statistically significant differences regarding the changes in defecation frequency (2.46, 3.00, 0.30, ES 1.16, p < 0.001), duration of defecation (5.07, 5.35, 0.15, ES 2.37, p = 0.003), BSFS (1.84, 2.14, 0.07, ES 0.91, p < 0.001), VAS (4.83, 3.87, 0.23, ES 1.98, p < 0.001), and PEDsQL total scores (7, 14, 8.36, -0.85, ES 4.08, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CTM and KT seem equally effective physiotherapy approaches for the treatment of pediatric constipation and these approaches may be added to bowel rehabilitation program.

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