Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) for Chronic Constipation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Aug 4, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) for people suffering from chronic constipation. TEAS is a non-invasive technique that uses electrical stimulation to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for those who have trouble with bowel movements. The researchers at UCLA believe that using TEAS at home could help patients manage their constipation more effectively, especially since many individuals may not have the time or resources for regular acupuncture sessions.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and meet specific criteria for functional constipation, such as having fewer than three bowel movements a week and experiencing certain symptoms for at least three months. Participants will also need to provide written consent and, if over 50, have had a recent colon cancer screening. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to receive guidance on using TEAS and will be monitored for improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being. It’s important to note that those with certain medical conditions or recent changes in their health may not be eligible to join the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years of age or older
• * Satisfy a modified ROME-IV criteria for functional constipation including:
• • Fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week
• * and meet one of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks in the preceding 12 months:
• • straining during \>25% of the bowel movements (BMs)
• • lumpy or hard stools during \>25% of BMs
• • sensation of incomplete evacuation during \>25% of BMs
• • sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage for \>25% of BMs
• • manual maneuvers to facilitate \>25% of BMs
• • loose stools are rarely present without the use of laxatives
• • insufficient criteria for IBS (does not have recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the past 3 months)
• • able to understand and provide written consent
• • If over age 50, have undergone routine colon cancer screening (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonography or fecal occult blood testing)
• • subjects must have normal serum chemistry and normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) within the past year
• • subjects must have normal sensation over the areas where the pads will be placed (lumbar region and lower extremities surrounding the knees anteriorly)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy
• • Numbness around the genitals or groin, bladder or bowel dysfunction or incontinence, new sciatica type leg pain or new onset sexual dysfunction within the past year.
• • Any changes to constipation related medications over the past 1 month
• • Use of rescue medication (polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl, enema, etc) greater than once per week
• • Pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator or other implanted electrical device
• • 10% weight loss in past 6 months
• • New onset Hematochezia since last medical evaluation