Perineal Self-Acupressure

University of California, Los Angeles100 enrolled

Overview

The primary aim of this study is to test a non-medicinal technique for chronic constipation. The core of the technique is to have subjects repeatedly press on and massage their perineum before defecation to fragment and soften the stool before it passes the lower rectum and anus. The technique will be evaluated as a complementary treatment to standard treatment of constipation (patient educational materials about treatments such as stool softeners, laxatives fiber supplements, and increased exercise). Although this technique has been studied for other conditions (for example in pregnant women to prevent birthing-related injuries), and it is recommended anecdotally by some physicians, this would be the first time it will be studied for chronic constipation in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. $50 dollars in compensation is provided for about an hour of participant's time.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

100

Conditions

Chronic Constipation Constipation Hemorrhoids

Perineal Self-AcupressureBEHAVIORAL

The core of the technique is to have subjects repeatedly press on and massage their perineum before defecation to fragment and soften the stool before it passes the lower rectum and anus.

Educational ControlBEHAVIORAL

Education on conventional treatment options for chronic constipation.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Must have experienced the following symptoms for at least three months: * Straining during at least 25 percent of defecations * Lumpy or hard stools in at least 25 percent of defecations * Sensation of incomplete evacuation for at least 25 percent of defecations * Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage for at least 25 percent of defecations * Manual maneuvers to facilitate at least 25 percent of defecations (eg, digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor) * Fewer than three defecations per week * Must have experienced one or more of those symptoms at least six months ago. Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years old. * Pregnant women. * Significant weight loss (more than 10% of usual body weight in the preceding 6 months). * History of blood mixed in stool.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire

Constipation related health-related quality of life by means of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL).

Time frame: 1 month

Secondary Outcomes

Modified Bowel Function Index and Hemorrhoid Questionnaire

A modified version of the bowel function index for patient self-completion, as well as original questions to measure change in hemorrhoid impact

Time frame: 1 month

SF-12

Questions regarding health related quality of life (HRQOL) from the Short Form (12) Health Survey version 2 questionnaire (SF-12v2).

Time frame: 1 month

Perineal Self-Acupressure

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes