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
Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital
90 participants
May 26, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Older adults aged 65 to 100 years
- Cognitively aware and able to express their opinions
- Diagnosed with functional constipation
Exclusion Criteria19
- Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
- Cognitive impairment, including moderate to severe dementia or psychiatric disorders
- Aphasia
- Severe hearing impairment
- Presence of gastrointestinal diseases, including:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Intestinal obstruction
- Abdominal tumors
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Acute diverticulitis
- Diarrhea
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- History of abdominal surgery
- Regular use of probiotics
- Regular use of traditional Chinese medicine or folk remedies for constipation relief
- Difficulty swallowing or risk of aspiration
- Major illnesses, such as current cancer treatment or severe cardiovascular diseases
- Currently hospitalized
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Interventions
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.
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.
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.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT06963125