Effectiveness of Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric In-Patient

Launched by HONG KONG METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY · Jun 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a simple self-care technique called acupressure can help manage constipation in adult psychiatric patients. Constipation, which means having infrequent or difficult bowel movements, is common in people taking psychiatric medications and can seriously affect comfort and quality of life. This study will teach patients how to use fingertip pressure on specific points on the body to improve bowel function, a method based on traditional Chinese medicine. The goal is to find an easy, low-cost way for patients to relieve constipation on their own without relying heavily on medications that can have unwanted side effects.

To join the study, participants need to be adults (18 or older), living in Hong Kong, diagnosed with constipation according to standard criteria, and mentally stable enough to learn and perform acupressure themselves. They must also be able to understand the training and questionnaires. People with certain digestive diseases, physical disabilities affecting their arms, previous acupressure experience, or who are pregnant or planning surgery cannot participate. If eligible, participants will receive training on how to perform acupressure and will be supported through the process to see if it helps improve their constipation. This trial is currently recruiting and aims to offer a new way for psychiatric patients to take an active role in managing their health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Hong Kong Chinese residents, aged 18 or above
• • 2. Meet the diagnostic criteria of Rome III for constipation
• • 3. Mentally stable and competent for self-care and learning acupressure, as recommended by their attending psychiatrists and
• • 4. Able to understand the questionnaire and follow instructions for training will be eligible to participate in this study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Anatomical and physiological disorders of gastrointestinal tract such as malrotation, fistula and colonic neuropathies
• • 2. Metabolic and endocrine diseases
• • 3. Lead poisoning and vitamin D intoxication
• • 4. Previous training in acupressure
• • 5. Physical disability involved the upper limbs
• • 6. Planned surgery undergoing during study period and pregnancy.