Changes in quality of life during biofeedback for people with puborectalis dyssynergia: generic and disease-specific measures.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in symptoms and quality of life in people with puborectalis dyssynergia after biofeedback by using Short Form-36 and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Background: Biofeedback is an effective treatment in clinical symptoms for puborectalis dyssynergia. However, little is known about the degree of the variation in the quality of life for these people after biofeedback.

Method: Thirty-six people with puborectalis dyssynergia were studied between June 2006 and March 2008. A bowel symptom record, a generic quality of life measure - the Short Form-36 and a disease-specific measure - the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire were recorded before and after biofeedback.

Findings: Thirty-one people rated their satisfaction with behavioural treatment as 'major' or 'fair' and substantial symptom improvements occurred. Before treatment, seven of Short Form-36 subscales (except bodily pain) were significantly lower in people with puborectalis dyssynergia than those in healthy individuals. Following treatment, all subcategories except general health showed improvement surpassing pretreatment baseline values and equalling those for normal. The total Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire score also dramatically improved as did all subscales. The nurses continually encouraged the participants, increased participants' motivation and got good outcomes.

Conclusion: Patient-centred functional status outcomes measured by general and disease-specific instruments give critical data, from which to inform patient management. The nurses should give psycho-social support and increase the participants' motivation during training.