Effects of skin stimulation with noninvasive microcones on constipation in university students / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Introduction</b> We investigated the effects of skin stimulation with noninvasive microcones on constipation in university students. <br><b>Methods</b> 17 university students with constipation were studied. Students were randomly assigned to either Group S (n=9) that received skin stimulation of the auricle using microcones, or Group P (n=8) that were given placebo treatment. Both groups received 4 weeks of treatment.<br><b>Results</b> There were no significant differences in the mean baseline CAS-J (Japanese Version of Constipation Assessment Scale) values between the two groups. After 4 weeks, subjects in Group S had significantly lower CAS-J values compared with baseline (P=0.02). No significant changes were noted in the values for Group P.<br><b>Conclusion</b> These results suggested that skin stimulation with noninvasive microcones improved constipation in university students, and may be a viable option for self-care of this condition.