PDS to invest in research for abdominal massages

PDS to invest in research for abdominal massages

The importance of abdominal massages is being addressed with an innovation grant from a leading charity.

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) has awarded an innovation grant of close to £34,000 in order to address how abdominal massage could help with constipation in people with the condition.

Money was awarded to Dr Doreen McClurg at Glasgow Caledonian University and will look into the issue of how 40 per cent of people with Parkinson's disease develop constipation after diagnosis, due to difficulties with chewing and swallowing food which leads to fibre not being absorbed.

Dr Kieran Breen, the director of research and development at the PDS, said that the problem is often difficult and embarrassing for people.

He continued: "If the research finds that abdominal massage is helpful, it will give people with Parkinson's an easy way to relieve constipation at home, without needing medication and without side-effects.

"We are passionate about funding practical new treatments, which is what our innovation grant programme is all [about]."

The PDS has spent around £45 million on research since the charity was founded back in 1969.

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