Laser acupuncture improving functional chronic constipation in children: a randomized controlled trial
Abd El Azeem AM, Alsharnoubi J, Abd El-Rahman Mohamed M · Lasers in Medical Science · 2023 February 15
DOI 10.1007/s10103-023-03727-z
Objective
To investigate the effects of laser acupuncture compared with lactulose, alongside behavioral therapy and dietary modification, in children with functional chronic constipation.
Conclusions
Non-invasive, painless laser acupuncture therapy improved stool frequency and consistency more than lactulose and can be considered an alternative therapy for children with functional chronic constipation.
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Insights
Laser acupuncture combined with behavioural and dietary support improved constipation symptoms in children more than lactulose combined with the same support.
Children with functional chronic constipation were randomly assigned to receive either laser acupuncture or oral lactulose for four weeks, while both groups also received behavioural training and dietary modification. Constipation symptoms were assessed before and after treatment using bowel movement frequency and stool consistency measures.
Both treatments improved bowel movement frequency and stool consistency, but children receiving laser acupuncture showed greater overall improvement than those receiving lactulose. The findings suggest that painless, non-invasive laser acupuncture may offer an effective alternative approach for managing functional chronic constipation in children.
