Effects of Self-administered Acupressure in Psychiatric Patients With Constipation (NCT02187640) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1/2
Effects of Self-administered Acupressure in Psychiatric Patients With Constipation
Hong Kong78 participantsStarted 2013-06
Plain-language summary
This study is to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure therapy for psychiatric in-patients with constipation
Two main research questions include:
1. What are the effects of the standardized self-administered acupressure program on reducing those adult psychiatric patients' symptoms of constipation?
2. What are the psychiatric patients' (participants') perceived benefits and limitations of self-administered acupressure on management of their constipation?
In this study, the participants who met the study criteria and completed the baseline measurement would be randomly assigned into either the self-administered acupressure program, or a sham control group who receive a placebo, non-acupoint pressure. The null hypotheses of this study are:
1. There is no significant difference between the acupressure and sham group immediately and/or two weeks after the completion of intervention on patients' symptom severity of constipation; and
2. There is no significant difference between the acupressure and sham group on patients' perceived quality of life at immediately and two weeks after treatment completion.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Hong Kong Chinese residents, aged 18 to 64 years;
. satisfied with Rome III diagnostic criteria for constipation; and
. mentally stable and competent for self-care and learning acupressure, as recommended by their attending psychiatrists.
Exclusion criteria
. anatomical and physiological disorders of gastrointestinal tract such as malrotation, fistula and colonic neuropathies;
. metabolic and endocrine diseases;
. lead poisoning and vitamin D intoxication;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Constipation Assessment Scale
Timeframe: Baseline (0 week; before start of intervention)
2
Constipation Assessment Scale
Timeframe: Fifth weeks (i.e., immediately after completion of the 10-day intervention)
3
Constipation Assessment Scale
Timeframe: Seventh week (i.e., two weeks after completion of the intervention)