NCT07506122

Dose-Effect Response in Acupuncture for Functional Constipation

Response Characteristics of the Dose-Effect Relationship in Acupuncture Treatment for Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Study

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Tongji Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This is a single-center, randomized, parallel-group trial evaluating the dose-response relationship of two experimental interventions: manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture for functional constipation. A total of 72 participants with functional constipation (Rome IV criteria) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the manual acupuncture group or the electroacupuncture group. Both groups receive acupuncture at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) points, 30 minutes per session, three times per week for 12 weeks. The electroacupuncture group additionally receives electrical stimulation (continuous wave, 10 Hz, 0.5-4 mA). The primary outcome is the responder rate at week 12, defined as the percentage of participants with ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week. Secondary outcomes include changes in gut microbiota, brain functional connectivity measured by multimodal MRI and fNIRS, and scales. The study aims to clarify the dose-response characteristics of different acupuncture modalities and their underlying biological mechanisms.

Conditions

• Functional Constipation (FC)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Manual Acupuncture	Acupuncture at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37). Participant lies supine and rests for 5 minutes before treatment. After routine disinfection, the acupuncturist inserts needles vertically to a certain depth, followed by mild lifting, thrusting, and twisting for 10 seconds at each acupoint to induce deqi. Needles are retained for 30 minutes. After removal, needle holes are pressed to prevent bleeding. Treatment frequency: three sessions per week for 12 weeks.
DEVICE	Electroacupuncture	Acupuncture at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37). Participant lies supine and rests for 5 minutes before treatment. After routine disinfection, the acupuncturist inserts needles vertically to a certain depth, followed by mild lifting, thrusting, and twisting for 10 seconds at each acupoint to induce deqi. Then needles are connected to an electroacupuncture device (Hwato SDZ-III, Suzhou Medical Products Factory, China). Two pairs of electrodes are attached: one pair to bilateral Tianshu (ST25), the other to bilateral Shangjuxu (ST37). Electrical stimulation: continuous wave, 10 Hz, current intensity 0.5-4 mA adjusted to patient tolerance. Electroacupuncture duration: 30 minutes. After needle removal, press to prevent bleeding. Treatment frequency: three sessions per week for 12 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2027-09-01
• Completion: 2027-12-01
• First posted: 2026-04-01
• Last updated: 2026-04-09

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: China