Abstract:Objective To investigate the efficacy of gastrointestinal multifunctional therapeutic instrument combined with powder compound of polyethylene glycol electrolytes in elderly patients with functional constipation. Methods A total of 150 patients with functional constipation hospitalized from January 2018 to December 2018 were randomly divided into study and control groups, with 75 in each group. The control group was treated with powder compound of polyethylene glycol electrolytes, and the study group received additional treatment by Digital Music Electric Gastrointestinal Multi-functional Therapeutic Instrument. The two groups were compared in fecal trait scores, time to first bowel movement and each defecation duration, Wexner constipation score, self-assessment scale for quality of life, and mental status. SPSS statistics 22.0 was used for data analysis. Results With a Bristol type Ⅳ of 33.3% and type Ⅴ of 28.0 %, the study group presented significantly better stool status than control group. After treatment, the study group had better results than the control group in the respects of time to first bowel movement, each defecation duration and weekly bowel movements. Wexner′s constipation score obtained after the treatment was significantly lower in both groups than before the treatment, (7.75±1.53) for the study group and (9.12±1.68) for the control group, and the two groups differed significantly (P<0.05). Patients with depression were fewer, and the degree of depression was lower in the study group than in the control group, the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Medication combined with Digital Music Electric Gastrointestinal Multi-functional Therapeutic Instrument is superior to medication only, contributing to the alleviation of functional constipation in the elderly patients.