Effect of Electroacupuncture on Bowel Function and Quality of Life in Postpartum Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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: electroacupuncture, abdominal exercises for constipation.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Postpartum Constipation. Basic parameters: 20 years — 40 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
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- 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
Postpartum constipation is a common condition affecting women after childbirth, leading to discomfort and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological treatments may have side effects and are sometimes avoided during breastfeeding. Electroacupuncture is a safe, non-pharmacological intervention that may improve bowel motility. However, limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in postpartum women, necessitating further investigation
Detailed description
to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on improving bowel function and reducing symptoms of postpartum constipation compared to standard care.
Study population \& Sample size: (no more than 3 lines) Postpartum women aged 20-40 years diagnosed with constipation. A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups: an electroacupuncture group and a control group receiving abdominal exercises . Participants will be randomly assigned using a simple randomization method.
Diagnosis:
Postpartum constipation diagnosed based on clinical criteria (e.g., Rome IV criteria).
Groups:
* Group A: Electroacupuncture + abdominal exercises * Group B: abdominal exercises only
Inclusion Criteria:
* Females aged 20-40 years * Within 6 weeks postpartum * Diagnosed with constipation * Willing to participate
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of gastrointestinal disorders * Previous colorectal surgery * Neurological diseases affecting bowel function * Contraindications to acupuncture (tumor, scar or keloids \& spinal instability ).
Measuring Tools:
1. Bristol Stool Form Scale This scale will be used to assess stool consistency, which is classified into seven distinct types ranging from hard lumps to entirely liquid stool. It is considered an important indicator of intestinal transit time. The Bristol Stool Form Scale is widely validated and demonstrates high reliability and reproducibility in clinical and research settings. In this study, it will be used as a primary outcome measure to evaluate changes in bowel habits, either independently or alongside bowel movement frequency. 2. Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) This questionnaire will be used to evaluate the impact of constipation on patients' daily life, including physical discomfort, psychosocial effects, and overall satisfaction. The PAC-QOL has excellent psychometric properties, including strong validity and reliability. In this study, it will be used as a secondary outcome measure to assess improvements in quality of life following the intervention.
* Evaluation procedures All participants will undergo a standardized evaluation before and after the intervention period. Baseline assessment will be conducted prior to randomization to ensure comparability between groups.
At the beginning of the study, demographic and clinical data will be collected, including age, parity, mode of delivery, and time since delivery. Participants will then be evaluated for constipation severity and bowel habits.
Stool consistency will be assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, where participants will classify their stool type according to the seven-point scale. In addition, participants will be instructed to record bowel movement frequency per week using a bowel diary.
Quality of life related to constipation will be evaluated using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire. This tool will assess the physical, psychological, and social impact of constipation on daily living.
All outcome measures will be recorded at baseline (pre-treatment) and at the end of the treatment period (post-treatment). Participants will also be monitored throughout the study to ensure compliance and to document any adverse effects.
• Treatment procedures The electroacupuncture group will receive treatment sessions 3 times per week for 6 weeks using Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints added to abdominal exercises . The control group will receive abdominal exercises only.
Interventions
- Other electroacupuncture
This study is expected to contribute significantly to maternal healthcare in Egypt by addressing postpartum constipation, a common yet often neglected condition affecting women after childbirth. Constipation can negatively impact quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and psychological distress. Electroacupuncture offers a safe, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective treatment alternative. This is particularly important for postpartum women who may avoid medications due to breastfeeding co - Other abdominal exercises for constipation
Static Abdominal Contractions Lie on your back in "crook lying" (knees bent, feet flat). Gently contract all abdominal muscles (as if bracing for a light punch), hold 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat. Keep breathing normally. This strengthens the abdominal wall to improve bowel support and tone. Activation and exercise of the transverse abdominis muscle has been noted as important, as it brings together the bellies of the rectus abdominus muscle, improving the integrity of the linea alba and
Primary outcome measures
- Bristol Stool Form Scale [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) [Time frame: 6 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Females aged 20-40 years
- Within 6 weeks postpartum
- Diagnosed with constipation
- Willing to participate
Exclusion criteria
- History of gastrointestinal disorders
- Previous colorectal surgery
- Neurological diseases affecting bowel function
- Contraindications to acupuncture (tumor, scar or keloids \& spinal instability ).
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07572786 · EA constipation