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Effect of perineal self-acupressure on constipation: a randomized controlled trial
Ryan Abbott1, Ian Ayres, Ed Hui
1Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, rabbott@mednet.ucla.edu.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|November 19, 2014
Summary
Perineal self-acupressure significantly improved quality of life and bowel function in constipation patients. This non-pharmacological approach offers a promising complementary therapy for chronic constipation management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The effectiveness of perineal self-acupressure for constipation relief remains unclear.
- Functional constipation affects a significant portion of the adult population, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of perineal self-acupressure on patient-reported quality of life and bowel function.
- To compare outcomes between a group receiving perineal self-acupressure plus standard care and a control group receiving standard care alone.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, parallel-group trial involving 100 adult patients with functional constipation.
- The intervention group received training in perineal self-acupressure alongside standard constipation treatments.
- Outcomes included the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), modified Bowel Function Index (BFI), and SF-12v2 health survey.
Main Results:
- The perineal self-acupressure group showed significant improvements in PAC-QOL (0.59 difference, p < 0.01) and modified BFI (13.8 difference, p < 0.01) compared to the control group.
- Improvements were also observed in SF-12v2 Physical Component Scores (3.05 difference, p < 0.01) and Mental Component Scores (2.82 difference, p < 0.07).
Conclusions:
- Perineal self-acupressure, when added to standard care, enhances self-reported quality of life and bowel function in patients with constipation.
- This technique presents a viable non-pharmacological option for managing constipation symptoms and improving overall well-being.
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