Effect of Acupressure in The Management of Postmenopausal Constipation
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Acupressure, Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, General bowel care advise.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Constipation. Basic parameters: 50 years — 60 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Egypt
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
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.
Interventions
- Other Acupressure
It will be applied for the experimental group only. Before starting the first treatment session, the participants will be instructed briefly about the nature of the treatment to gain their confidence and cooperation. Each participant in this group will be asked to lie in supine position and the acupressure will be applied by using the therapist's fingers on the following acupoints (san jio 6/ spleen 15/ stomach 25/ joining vally " intestine 4") 1 minute for each point with 3 repetitions on both - Other Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
A modified exercise will be used to achieve normal diaphragmatic breathing while the woman is lying on her back, with one hand placed on her abdomen and the other on her thorax. She will then be instructed to breathe in deeply, slowly, and gradually for 4 seconds, hold the air for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly through pursed lips for 6 seconds. Three series of ten repetitions will be completed with rest in between; the woman will be advised to rest longer if she feels dizzy or lightheaded. The pa - Other General bowel care advise
All women in both groups will receive bowel care advice, including encouraging fiber intake (20-35 g/day) from sources like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, with a focus on soluble fiber. They will be advised to limit meat, dairy, and low-fiber foods and avoid caffeine-containing products like chocolate and coffee. Adequate hydration (1.5-2.0 L/day) with water or juices will be recommended, along with daily exercise, such as 20-30 minutes of walking. Proper toilet posture will be e
Primary outcome measures
- Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom (PAC - SYM) [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Patient Assessment of Constipation quality of life (PAC - QOL) [Time frame: 6 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- 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)
- Their ages ranged from 50 to 60 years old.
- Their body mass index didn't exceed 30 kg/m2.
- All of them should have at least two criteria of Rome III diagnostic criteria of constipation.
- They should stop laxatives intake during the treatment program.
Exclusion criteria
- Irritable bowel syndrome or anal fissures.
- Genital organ prolapse as rectocele.
- Any neurological diseases, spinal diseases or spinal deformities.
- History of bowel surgery.
- Congenital anorectal malformation, stoma in situ.
- Diabetes mellitus and sever distal venous insufficiency.
- Skin eruption at the site of stimulation.
- Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.
- Metalic implant in lower limb.
- Recent surgery at the lower limb.
- Peripheral neuropathy and neurological disorders.
- Psychological distress.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Egypt · 1 center
- Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University — Giza
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06720077 · P.T.REC/012/004870