Aydemir T, Taşcı S, Bayraktar M, Saz A. The effect of acupressure on constipation symptoms and quality of life among older people: a mixed-methods study.
Eur Geriatr Med 2023;
14:1135-1144. [PMID:
37477804 DOI:
10.1007/s41999-023-00842-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on constipation symptoms and quality of life in older people.
METHODS
The study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, qualitative and quantitative mixed-method study. Individuals in the acupressure group received acupressure for 21 min per day for a total of 12 sessions. The other group received sham acupressure for the same duration. Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOL), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and individual follow-up form were used to evaluate quantitative data, and semi-structured interview form was used to evaluate qualitative data.
RESULTS
A total of 81 participants were randomized to acupressure (n = 41, mean age: 70.56 ± 4.76, 70.7% female) or sham acupressure (n = 40, mean age: 71.17 ± 5.19, 67.5% female). Repeated measurements of the participants showed that CAS scores differed significantly between acupressure applications (p < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences between the two groups in PAC-QOL and VAS after the application, number of defecations and laxative use (p < 0.001). Compared to the placebo group, the acupressure group had significantly lower mean post-test scores in all constipation rating scales. Qualitative findings from the study also support the quantitative findings.
CONCLUSION
For older people seeking evidence-based alternative therapy, acupressure may be a solution to reduce the constipation symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our study findings.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05506397, 17 August 2022, retrospectively registered.
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