Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Chemotherapy-Induced Constipation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Ting Mao1,2, Xiangyu Liu3, Qinqin Cheng4
1Department of Nursing, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Objective:
Chemotherapy-induced constipation (CIC) adversely affects the quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) on CIC.
Methods:
Sixty NSCLC patients who received chemotherapy at Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China, were assigned to the TAES (n = 30) or control (n = 30) group using Research Randomizer. In the TAES group, four acupoints, namely Tianshu, Quchi, Zusanli, and Shangjuxu, were stimulated six times a week, lasting for 4 weeks, while the control group received the usual care. The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) were used.
Results:
Both the BSFS and CAS scores for the experimental group were significantly higher than that for the control group (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001 separately).
Conclusions:
TAES was effective for alleviating constipation in NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy and was a safe and practical nursing intervention.
