Efficacy of Linaclotide Combined with Electrostatic Physical Therapy on Elderly Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation and Its Impact on Colonic Transit Function

Objective To investigate the efficacy of linaclotide combined with electrostatic physical therapy in the treatment of elderly patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and its impact on colonic transit function. Methods A total of 120 elderly IBS-C patients admitted to the Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2022 to March 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups, of 60 patients in each, using a random number table. The control group received conventional treatment, while the intervention group received a combination therapy of linaclotide and electrostatic physical therapy on this basis. After the 4-week treatment, the therapeutic efficacy was compared between the two groups. Changes in Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), colon transit test markers, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), motilin, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and quality of life were recorded before and after the 4-week treatment. Results The total effective rate of the intervention group was 96.67%, significantly higher than the 83.33% of the control group (P ＜ 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the GSRS scores and retention of colonic transport test markers in both groups were lower or less than before treatment (P ＜ 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, VIP and 5-HT levels in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment, while motilin levels were higher than before treatment (P ＜ 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the levels of restlessness, health anxiety, dietary control, social reactions, and family relationship scores in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment (P ＜ 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the above indicators in the intervention group were better than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion The combination of linaclotide and electrostatic physical therapy demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on elderly patients with IBS-C, markedly improving clinical symptoms, gastrointestinal function, and quality of life.