The Effects of Meridian Acupressure on Decreasing Constipation for Stroke Patients

경혈지압이 뇌졸중 환자의 변비완화에 미치는 효과

Purpose: This study was aimed at identifying the effect of meridian acupressure on decreasing the severity of constipation in stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Method: The data was collected from June 1 to July 30, 2005 at D Hospital in Busan. They were divided into two group: one experimental group of 18, and the another control group of 17. Meridian acupressure was given to the experimental group and no meridian acupressure was given to the control group. The data was analyzed using the t-test, ${\chi}^2-test$, Fisher exact, and repeated measures ANCOVA. Results: There was a significant improvement in frequency of defecation and severity of constipation in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Meridian acupressure can be considered an effective nursing method for the management of constipation among Cerebrovascular Accident patients.