The Effects of Prune Juice on Bowel Movement Patterns, Constipation Symptoms, and Quality of Life

Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital90 enrolled

Overview

This study investigates the effects of different prune juice dosages on bowel movement patterns, constipation symptoms, and quality of life in older adults. Using a factorial experimental design, 90 participants aged 65 to 100 with functional constipation will be randomly assigned to receive 100 mL, 150 mL, or 200 mL of prune juice daily for four weeks. The study aims to determine a safe and effective dosage for constipation management, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improving bowel health in older adults.

Constipation is a prevalent issue among older adults, leading to physical discomfort and long-term health complications. Non-pharmacological interventions are essential for effective management. This study aims to compare the effects of different prune juice dosages on bowel movement patterns, constipation symptoms, and quality of life to determine a safe and effective dosage for older adults. A factorial experimental design will be employed, with 90 participants aged 65 to 100 who are conscious, able to express their opinions, and diagnosed with functional constipation. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups receiving 100 mL, 150 mL, or 200 mL of prune juice daily for four weeks. The outcomes will be assessed at five time points: before the intervention (T0), after one week (T1), after two weeks (T2), after three weeks (T3), and after four weeks (T4).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Constipation in Older Adults

Interventions

Low-Dose Prune JuiceDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Intervention Name: Prune Juice 100 mL/day Description: 100 mL prune juice daily (1.07 g dietary fiber), administered once each morning for 4 weeks.

Medium-Dose Prune JuiceDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Intervention Name: Prune Juice 150 mL/day Description: 150 mL prune juice daily (1.61 g dietary fiber), administered once each morning for 4 weeks.

High-Dose Prune JuiceDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Intervention Name: Prune Juice 200 mL/day Description: 200 mL prune juice daily (3.22 g dietary fiber), administered once each morning for 4 weeks.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 YearsMax age: 100 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults aged 65 to 100 years * Cognitively aware and able to express their opinions * Diagnosed with functional constipation Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus * Cognitive impairment, including moderate to severe dementia or psychiatric disorders * Aphasia * Severe hearing impairment * Presence of gastrointestinal diseases, including: * Gastrointestinal bleeding * Intestinal obstruction * Abdominal tumors * Irritable bowel syndrome * Acute diverticulitis * Diarrhea * Crohn's disease * Ulcerative colitis * History of abdominal surgery * Regular use of probiotics * Regular use of traditional Chinese medicine or folk remedies for constipation relief * Difficulty swallowing or risk of aspiration * Major illnesses, such as current cancer treatment or severe cardiovascular diseases * Currently hospitalized

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Stool Consistency Measured by Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS)

Stool consistency will be assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), a 7-point scale that classifies stool into 7 types: Type 1 = separate hard lumps Type 7 = entirely liquid Types 3 to 5 are considered normal. The mean change in BSFS score from baseline to Week 4 will be measured. Higher or lower scores reflect changes in stool consistency severity.

Time frame: From study enrollment to the end of the 4-week intervention

Change in Constipation Symptoms Measured by PAC-SYM

Constipation symptoms will be assessed using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire. This instrument includes 12 items across abdominal, stool, and rectal symptom subscales. Each item is rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (very severe). The total score ranges from 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating worse symptoms. The change in total PAC-SYM score from baseline to Week 4 will be evaluated.