Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric In-Patients
Led by Hong Kong Metropolitan University · Updated on 2025-06-26
154
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
25 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Lead Sponsor
H
Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Constipation is a common digestive condition that involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It affects about 14.3% of the population in Hong Kong and can cause serious health complications and reduced quality of life. Psychiatric patients, especially those taking antipsychotic or antidepressant medications, are at higher risk of constipation due to medication side effects and lifestyle factors. Managing constipation in this group is important but often overlooked. This study evaluates a self-administered acupressure intervention to manage constipation in adult psychiatric inpatients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an acupressure group, which will apply pressure on five specific acupoints once daily for 10 days under nurse supervision, or a sham group using different sham points. The intervention sessions will be conducted in same-sex groups, preferably at least two hours after meals. Participants will be assessed before the intervention, immediately after, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention. Researchers will measure constipation severity, number of spontaneous bowel movements, stool form, and use of medication for constipation relief. Quality of life will also be evaluated. The study aims to track these outcomes over time to understand acupressure's potential benefits and monitor safety throughout the trial period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effectiveness of Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric In-Patient
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Hong Kong Chinese residents aged 18 or older
- Diagnosed with constipation according to Rome III criteria
- Mentally stable and capable of self-care and learning acupressure as recommended by their psychiatrist
- Able to understand questionnaires and follow training instructions
You will not qualify if you...
- Anatomical or physiological disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as malrotation, fistula, or colonic neuropathies
- Metabolic and endocrine diseases
- Lead poisoning or vitamin D intoxication
- Previous training in acupressure
- Physical disability involving the upper limbs
- Planned surgery during the study period or pregnancy
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 - 10 days
Participants self-administer acupressure or sham acupressure once a day for 10 days in a group setting, supervised by a trained psychiatric nurse.
Daily sessions for 10 days
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants are observed and assessed for constipation symptoms and quality of life immediately after treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention.
3 visits (immediately after treatment, 4 weeks post-treatment, 8 weeks post-treatment)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Castle Peak Hospital
Tuenmen, New Territories, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kelvin Wai Kit WONG, Assistant Professor
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here