J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  2008 Aug;20(4):664-673.

The Effect of Meridian Acupressure on Constipation in the Bed-ridden Aged with Stroke

• Jung YH
• Jun JY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of meridian acupressure on constipation in bed-ridden aged inpatients. METHODS: The research design was a non-synchronized non-equivalent control group pretestposttest design. The subjects consisted of 28 bed-ridden aged inpatients. Meridian acupressure was administered to the experimental group at 30 minutes before breakfast every morning for two weeks. Each meridian was pressured for 10 seconds, 10 times. The frequency of defecation and stool form were examined every day. The data was analyzed by the chi-square-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The experimental group given Meridian Acupressure had a higher frequency of defecation(F = 59.372, p = .000) and normal stool(F = 46.046, p = .000) than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Meridian Acupressure was an effective method for the relief of constipation for bed-ridden aged inpatients. A follow -up research is needed to validate that other patients with constipation can use the Meridian Acupressure as a non-invasive nursing intervention instead of a laxative or enema.

Keyword

Acupressure; Constipation; aged; stroke

MeSH Terms

Acupressure
Aged
Breakfast
Constipation
Defecation
Humans
Inpatients
Research Design
Stroke