Effect of Acupressure in The Management of Postmenopausal Constipation

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Constipation

Treatments: Other: Acupressure; Other: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises; Other: General bowel care advise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06720077

P.T.REC/012/004870

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full 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.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 50 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

acupressure + diaphragmatic breathing exercises + general bowel care advise

Experimental group

Description:

It consisted of 30 postmenopausal women. Each of them received acupressure on the (san jio 6/ stomach 25/ spleen 15/ joining vally " large intestine 4 ") acupoints, 1 minute for each point with 3 repetitions on both sides (about 30 minutes as total time), 3 times per week in addition to diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 15 minutes and general bowel care advise, for 6 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: General bowel care advise

Other: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises

Other: Acupressure

diaphragmatic breathing exercises + general bowel care advise

Active Comparator group

Description:

It consisted of 30 postmenopausal women who performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 15 minutes 3 times per week in addition to general bowel care advice only, for 6 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: General bowel care advise

Other: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises