Effectiveness of Self-administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric Out-patient

Launched by HONG KONG METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY · Jun 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a simple, self-administered acupressure technique can help manage constipation in adults who are receiving psychiatric outpatient care. Constipation is common in people taking certain psychiatric medications and can cause discomfort and other health problems. Acupressure involves pressing specific points on the body to help improve the flow of energy, which may support better bowel function. This trial aims to see if teaching patients to do acupressure themselves can be an easy, safe, and affordable way to reduce constipation symptoms.

Adults aged 18 or older who live in Hong Kong, have been diagnosed with constipation, and are mentally stable enough to learn and perform acupressure may be eligible to participate. Participants will receive training on how to apply acupressure on themselves and will be asked to follow instructions during the study. People with certain medical conditions, physical disabilities, or who are pregnant will not be able to join. This study is not yet recruiting but hopes to offer a practical option for managing constipation that doesn’t rely on medications, which can have unwanted side effects.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Hong Kong Chinese residents
• • 2. Aged 18 or above
• • 3. Meet the Rome III diagnostic criteria for constipation
• • 4. Mentally stable and competent to perform self-care and learn acupressure, as recommended by their attending psychiatrists through letter/email
• • 5. Able to understand the questionnaire and follow instructions for training
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Have an anatomical or physiological disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, such as malrotation, fistula or colonic neuropathy
• • 2. Have a metabolic or endocrine disease
• • 3. Have lead poisoning or vitamin D intoxication
• • 4. Have had previous training in acupressure
• • 5. Have a physical disability involving the upper limbs
• • 6. Have planned surgery during the study period
• • 7. Pregnant
• • 8. receiving other kinds of "Qi" restoration-based treatment
• • 9. Going to change medication or changed recently
• • 10. Not in any other study or interventions that may improve constipation e.g. consulting dietitian, exercise programme etc.