Self-administered acupressure for constipation in adult psychiatric inpatients
Effectiveness of Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric In-Patient
This project tests whether adult psychiatric inpatients can reduce constipation symptoms by using self-administered acupressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 154 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hong Kong Metropolitan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tuenmen, New Territories) |
| Trial ID | NCT07039448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adult psychiatric inpatients in Hong Kong who meet Rome III criteria for constipation will be taught specific self‑acupressure techniques and compared with a sham‑acupressure group. The intervention involves brief training in acupressure points and a scheduled self‑care practice period while outcomes are tracked over follow-up. Eligibility requires mental stability and the physical ability to perform acupressure, excluding those with major gastrointestinal, metabolic, or upper‑limb problems. The trial is run at Castle Peak Hospital in collaboration with Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the Hospital Authority.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Hong Kong Chinese adults (18+) who are psychiatric inpatients, mentally stable, meet Rome III criteria for constipation, and can learn and perform self‑acupressure.
Not a fit: Patients with anatomical GI disorders, metabolic or endocrine causes of constipation, prior acupressure training, upper-limb disabilities, planned surgery during the study, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, low-risk self-care method to reduce constipation and improve comfort for psychiatric inpatients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of acupressure or acupuncture for general constipation have produced mixed but sometimes positive results, while randomized evidence specifically in psychiatric inpatient populations is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Tuenmen, New Territories
- Castle Peak Hospital — Tuenmen, New Territories, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kelvin Wai Kit WONG, Assistant Professor
- Email: kwkwong@hkmu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852-3970-8752
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.