Actively Recruiting
Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Versus Resistance Exercise on Hemoglobin Level in Women With Iron Deficiency Anemia
Led by Cairo University · Updated on 2026-05-26
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Cairo University
Lead Sponsor
K
Kafrelsheikh University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and resistance exercise on hemoglobin levels in women aged 20 to 30 years with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA is a common nutritional disorder among women that causes fatigue, weakness, and reduced physical performance. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate changes in hemoglobin and other blood and health measures after treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group will receive acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS) along with routine medical treatment; another will undergo resistance exercise training plus routine treatment; and the third group will receive only routine medical treatment. Treatments will be applied three times a week for 12 weeks. The Acu-TENS involves applying a device to specific acupuncture points on the legs, while resistance exercise includes multi-joint workouts using free weights and body weight exercises. Throughout the study, researchers will assess changes in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, serum ferritin, fatigue levels, health-related quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness from baseline to three months. The trial includes regular monitoring of participants' functional capacity and adherence to treatment. The total participation period covers 12 weeks of intervention with pre- and post-treatment assessments to evaluate the impact of the interventions on anemia and related symptoms.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acupoint TENS vs Resistance Training for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia within 6 months
- Hemoglobin concentration between 8.0 and 10.9 g/dL (moderate anemia by WHO criteria)
- Iron deficiency anemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding
- Age between 20 and 30 years old
- Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²
- Similar functional capacity as measured by 6-minute walking test
- Receiving the same routine medical treatment program
You will not qualify if you...
- Anemia due to other causes such as hemolytic anemia, chronic disease, megaloblastic anemia, thalassemia, or sickle cell disease
- Severe anemia with hemoglobin less than 8.0 g/dL
- History of chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood transfusion or iron therapy in the past 3 months
- Use of hematopoietic agents like erythropoietin
- Acute infections or inflammatory conditions at enrollment
- Unable or unwilling to consent or follow study procedures
- Participation in complementary treatments or research within last 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 consecutive weeks
Participants receive either acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS), resistance exercise training, or routine medical treatment. The treatment program is applied once per day, three times per week.
3 visits per week for 12 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Kafrelsheikh University
Cairo, Egypt
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dina Ebrahim Mohamed Aboshady, BSc PT
E
El-Sayed Essam El-Sayed Felaya, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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