A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture to treat functional constipation: design and protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which has a major impact on the quality of life. Acupuncture is widely used as an alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) for FC, but the available evidence of its effectiveness is scarce. Therefore, we will perform a randomized controlled trial to determine whether acupuncture improves symptom and quality of life in FC patients more effectively than sham acupuncture or gastrointestinal prokinetic agent. This article will report the protocol of the trial.

Methods

The current trial is a multicenter, randomized, three-arm controlled study undergoing in China. About 243 people who aged from 18 to 65 years with FC will be recruited in this study. These participants will be rand

SUBMITTER: Xu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4287335 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature