Acupoint TENS vs Resistance Training for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Versus Resistance Exercise on Hemoglobin Level in Women With Iron Deficiency Anemia
Cairo University
60 participants
Jan 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The current study is designed to compare between the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and resistance exercises on hemoglobin level in women with iron deficiency anemia.The design of this study will be a randomized controlled trial (RCT) pretest post-test assessment.Sixty women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia will be recruited in this study from Kafrelshiekh University Hospital, Kafrelshiekh Governorate, Egypt. Their ages will be ranged from 20 to 30 years old, and they will be randomly divided into three equal (n= 20) groups. Change in hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) after the intervention period and changes in RBC count, MCV, MCH, RDW, serum ferritin, fatigue level, and functional exercise capacity after treatment will be measured.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Sixty women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia within ≤6 months.
- Their hemoglobin concentrations ranging from 8.0 to 10.9 g/dL that classified as moderate anemia in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
- The iron deficiency anemia resulted from the heavy monthly bleeding of menstrual cycle as reported by the women.
- Their age will be ranged from 20 and 30 years old.
- Their BMI will be ranged from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².
- They will have the same level of functional capacity assessed by 6-minute walking test.
- They will be receiving the same medical treatment programme.
Exclusion Criteria9
- Other causes of anemia (e.g., hemolytic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, megaloblastic anemia, thalassemia, or sickle cell disease).
- Severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL)
- History of chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or malignancy.
- Current pregnancy or lactation, due to altered iron metabolism and hemoglobin thresholds.
- Recent blood transfusion or iron therapy (oral or intravenous) within the past 3 months.
- Use of hematopoietic agents (e.g., erythropoietin).
- Acute infection or inflammatory conditions at the time of enrollment.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures.
- Previous participation in complementary treatments/research within the last six months.
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Interventions
This technique will be applied to the study group (A) only as follow: In the Acu-TENS group, electrodes of the TENS device will be applied over bilateral gall bladder 39 (on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula) and spleen 6 (a width of four fingers above the medial malleolus on the posterior border of the tibia)
Resistance exercise training: This type of exercise training will be applied to the study group (B) only as follow: Resistance exercise is commonly prescribed using the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type).Multi-joint resistance exercises covering major muscle groups (legs, back, arms, core), by using free weights for legs and arms, body weight through (squats, lunges and pushups).
Oral iron supplementation using ferrous sulfate 325 mg (approximately 65 mg elemental iron) administered as a single morning dose, preferably on alternate days, to optimize iron absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects based on current clinical recommendations.
Dietary intervention including increased intake of iron-rich foods (such as red meat and legumes) along with vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits) to enhance iron absorption.
Participants are advised to avoid tea, coffee, calcium, and antacids within 2 hours of iron intake to optimize absorption.
Locations(1)
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NCT07605676