Effect of Acupressure in The Management of Postmenopausal Constipation

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Constipation

• Registration Number: NCT06720077
• Lead Sponsor: Cairo University

Brief Summary

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of acupressure in the management of constipation in postmenopausal women.

Detailed Description

Constipation is prevalent in menopause, affecting 4-29% of women globally, and can lead to serious complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and colorectal cancer. While laxatives can help, long-term use may cause dependency and side effects. Alternative therapies are needed.

Deep breathing, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, may improve constipation by activating the parasympathetic system and promoting relaxation. Acupressure has also shown potential in managing constipation by stimulating intestinal activity, improving blood circulation, and regulating Qi flow.

Despite existing studies on acupressure and constipation, no research has specifically examined its effect on postmenopausal women. This study aims to investigate acupressure's impact on functional constipation in this population, offering potential insights for non-pharmacological management.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-03
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-06
• Study Start: 2024-12-07
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-11
• Primary Completion: 2025-02-20
• Study Completion: 2025-03-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

1. Sixty postmenopausal women who were clinically diagnosed as having functional constipation after menopause (at least one year after the stoppage of the last menstrual cycle)
2. Their ages ranged from 50 to 60 years old.
3. Their body mass index didn't exceed 30 kg/m2.
4. All of them should have at least two criteria of Rome III diagnostic criteria of constipation.
5. They should stop laxatives intake during the treatment program.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Irritable bowel syndrome or anal fissures.
2. Genital organ prolapse as rectocele.
3. Any neurological diseases, spinal diseases or spinal deformities.
4. History of bowel surgery.
5. Congenital anorectal malformation, stoma in situ.
6. Diabetes mellitus and sever distal venous insufficiency.
7. Skin eruption at the site of stimulation.
8. Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.
9. Metalic implant in lower limb.
10. Recent surgery at the lower limb.
11. Peripheral neuropathy and neurological disorders.
12. Psychological distress.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom (PAC - SYM)	6 weeks	It is a reliable and valid tool to measure the patient's perspective constipation symptoms in terms of frequency and severity, It is a 12- item that is divided into three symptom subscales: abdominal (four items); rectal (three items); and stool (five items). Items are scored on 5-point Like scales, with scores ranging from 0 to 4 (0 = 'symptom absent', 1 = 'mild', 2 = 'moderate', 3 = 'severe' and 4 = 'very severe'). A mean total score in the range of 0-4 is generated by dividing the total score by the number of questions completed; the lower the total score, the lower the symptom burden.
Patient Assessment of Constipation quality of life (PAC - QOL)	6 weeks	The PAC-QOL questionnaire is used to evaluate the quality of life of patients having constipation. It is a brief but comprehensive tool which evaluates constipation through daily individual health assessment and functioning. This questionnaire consists of 28 self-reported items which sub-categorized to 4 items on physical discomfort, 8 items on psychosocial discomfort, 5 items on treatment satisfaction, and finally 11 items on worries and discomfort. Lower scores indicate higher quality of life.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University; 🇪🇬 Giza, Egypt