Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2014 Jun;17(1):48-55.

Effects of Meridian Acupressure on Constipation in the Institutionalized Elderly

• Kim MY
• Kang EH
• Byun EK

Abstract

PURPOSE
In this study, we attempted to provide an evidence for the effects of meridian acupressure on relieving and preventing constipation in the institutionalized elderly.
METHODS
The research design was a non-equivalent control group, non-synchronized design. The subjects consisted of 31 institutionalized elderly (experimental group: 16, control group: 15). The experimental group was given meridian acupressure for 10 minutes daily for 2 weeks. The data was analyzed by the chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS
The number of bowel movements per week of the experimental and control group performed meridian acupressure verified by repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that interaction existed between the meridian acupressure availability and the measurement point (F=98.183, p<.001). Repeated measures analysis of variance to compare the changes in Bristol stool form scale scores of the experimental and control group performed meridian acupressure revealed that interaction existed between the meridian acupressure availability and the measurement point (F=48.896, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study show the meridian acupressure is a useful nursing intervention on constipation in the institutionalized elderly.

Keyword

Aged; Constipation; Meridians; Massage

MeSH Terms

Acupressure*
Aged*
Analysis of Variance
Constipation*
Humans
Massage
Meridians
Nursing
Research Design