Effect of perineal self-acupressure on constipation: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of perineal self-acupressure in treating constipation is uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate whether perineal self-acupressure would improve patient reports of quality of life and bowel function at 4 weeks after training.


METHODS
A randomized, parallel group trial was conducted.


METHODS
The study took place at the UCLA Department of Medicine.


METHODS
One hundred adult patients who met Rome III criteria for functional constipation participated.


METHODS
The control group received information about standard constipation treatment options, while the treatment group received training in perineal self-acupressure plus standard treatment options.


METHODS
Primary outcome was the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). Secondary outcomes included patient assessments of bowel function (as measured by a modified Bowel Function Index (BFI)), and health and well-being (as measured by the SF-12v2).


RESULTS
The mean PAC-QOL was improved by 0.76 in the treatment group and by 0.17 in the control group (treatment-effect difference, 0.59 [95 % CI, 0.37 to 0.81]; p < 0.01). The mean modified BFI was improved by 18.1 in the treatment group and by 4.2 in the control group (treatment-effect difference, 13.8 [95 % CI, 5.1 to 22.5]; p < 0.01). The mean SF-12v2 Physical Component Score was improved by 2.69 in the treatment group and reduced by 0.36 in the control group (treatment-effect difference, 3.05, [95 % CI, 0.85 to 5.25]; p < 0.01); and the mean SF-12v2 Mental Component Score was improved by 3.12 in the treatment group and improved by 0.30 in the control group (treatment-effect difference, 2.82, [95 % CI, -0.10 to 5.74]; p < 0.07).


CONCLUSIONS
The trial was not blinded.


CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with constipation, perineal self-acupressure improves self-reported assessments of quality of life, bowel function, and health and well-being relative to providing standard constipation treatment options alone.
Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, rabbott@mednet.ucla.edu.
Ryan
R
Abbott
Ian
I
Ayres
Ed
E
Hui
Ka-Kit
KK
Hui
D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods*; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010502:Perineum / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome