NCT06963125

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

The Effects of Different Doses of Prune Juice on Bowel Movement Patterns, Constipation Symptoms, and Quality of Life Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 100 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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).

Conditions

• Constipation in Older Adults
• Functional Constipation in Elderly

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Low-Dose Prune Juice	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.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Medium-Dose Prune Juice	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.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	High-Dose Prune Juice	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-26
• Primary completion: 2026-11-20
• Completion: 2026-11-30
• First posted: 2025-05-08
• Last updated: 2025-09-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan