An interventional study of electroacupuncture and abdominal exercises for constipation in Postpartum Constipation, sponsored by MTI University. Not yet recruiting. Open to female participants aged 20 Years to 40 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-07.
Sponsored by MTI University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Postpartum constipation is a common condition affecting women after childbirth, leading to discomfort and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological treatments may have side effects and are sometimes avoided during breastfeeding. Electroacupuncture is a safe, non-pharmacological intervention that may improve bowel motility. However, limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in postpartum women, necessitating further investigation
to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on improving bowel function and reducing symptoms of postpartum constipation compared to standard care.
Study population \& Sample size: (no more than 3 lines) Postpartum women aged 20-40 years diagnosed with constipation. A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups: an electroacupuncture group and a control group receiving abdominal exercises . Participants will be randomly assigned using a simple randomization method.
Diagnosis:
Postpartum constipation diagnosed based on clinical criteria (e.g., Rome IV criteria).
Groups:
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Measuring Tools:
Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) This questionnaire will be used to evaluate the impact of constipation on patients' daily life, including physical discomfort, psychosocial effects, and overall satisfaction. The PAC-QOL has excellent psychometric properties, including strong validity and reliability. In this study, it will be used as a secondary outcome measure to assess improvements in quality of life following the intervention.
At the beginning of the study, demographic and clinical data will be collected, including age, parity, mode of delivery, and time since delivery. Participants will then be evaluated for constipation severity and bowel habits.
Stool consistency will be assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, where participants will classify their stool type according to the seven-point scale. In addition, participants will be instructed to record bowel movement frequency per week using a bowel diary.
Quality of life related to constipation will be evaluated using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire. This tool will assess the physical, psychological, and social impact of constipation on daily living.
All outcome measures will be recorded at baseline (pre-treatment) and at the end of the treatment period (post-treatment). Participants will also be monitored throughout the study to ensure compliance and to document any adverse effects.
1,046 studies on the registry are indexed under Constipation; 161 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 60 is below the median of 75 across 884 interventional studies indexed under Constipation.
Browse Constipation studies →MTI University is the lead sponsor of 61 studies on the registry; 11 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Contraindication
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants in this group will receive electroacupuncture therapy applied to Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints plus abdominal exercises Treatment will be administered \[12 sessions per week\] for \[6 weeks\], with each session lasting approximately \[30 minutes\]. The intervention aims to improve bowel function in postpartum constipation.
Other: electroacupuncture · Other: abdominal exercises for constipation
Participants in this group will perform a structured abdominal exercise program designed to improve bowel motility. Exercises will be conducted \[12 sessions per week\] for \[6 weeks\], with each session lasting approximately \[20 minutes\].
Other: abdominal exercises for constipation
This study is expected to contribute significantly to maternal healthcare in Egypt by addressing postpartum constipation, a common yet often neglected condition affecting women after childbirth. Constipation can negatively impact quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and psychological distress. Electroacupuncture offers a safe, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective treatment alternative. This is particularly important for postpartum women who may avoid medications due to breastfeeding concerns or side effects. The findings of this study may support the integration of electroacupuncture into routine postpartum care in Egypt, especially within physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. It may also help reduce dependence on laxatives and improve patient satisfaction.
Static Abdominal Contractions Lie on your back in "crook lying" (knees bent, feet flat). Gently contract all abdominal muscles (as if bracing for a light punch), hold 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat. Keep breathing normally. This strengthens the abdominal wall to improve bowel support and tone. Activation and exercise of the transverse abdominis muscle has been noted as important, as it brings together the bellies of the rectus abdominus muscle, improving the integrity of the linea alba and increasing fascial tension. While studied primarily for diastasis recti, these exercises engage the deep core and can support improved abdominal function overall.
Bristol Stool Form Scale
This scale will be used to assess stool consistency, which is classified into seven distinct types ranging from hard lumps to entirely liquid stool. It is considered an important indicator of intestinal transit time. The Bristol Stool Form Scale is widely validated and demonstrates high reliability and reproducibility in clinical and research settings. In this study, it will be used as a primary outcome measure to evaluate changes in bowel habits, either independently or alongside bowel movement frequency.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL)
This questionnaire will be used to evaluate the impact of constipation on patients' daily life, including physical discomfort, psychosocial effects, and overall satisfaction. The PAC-QOL has excellent psychometric properties, including strong validity and reliability. In this study, it will be used as a secondary outcome measure to assess improvements in quality of life following the intervention.
Time frame: 6 weeks
No study locations are listed for this record.
Start is estimated for May 2026; primary completion for Aug 2026, 3 months later.
Of 243 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Constipation, half reached primary completion within 17 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 7 and three quarters within 35. This study's planned 3 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 314 studies reached it within 14 months; a quarter within 6 and three quarters within 30.
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This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in May 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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MTI University