Laser Acupuncture Improves Constipation in Patients Hospitalized for Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the aging of today's population, stroke is the top three causes of disability and death among people over the age of 60 in the world. About 5.5 million people die each year from strokes in Taiwan, and Taiwan's top ten causes of death in cerebrovascular disease rank fourth in the world. Constipation is the most common complication of stroke patients and increases the risk of brain damage and re-stroke. Although the clinical use of drugs can relieve intestinal symptoms, there is also a risk of potential side effects. The systematic literature points out that the use of acupoint stimulation can improve spontaneous bowel movements and promote bowel motility, but there is no conclusion on effective acupuncture points. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to improve the constipation of patients with stroke by non-invasive and precise acupoint care. This study used a single-blind randomized control trial. The neurosurgery ward of a medical center in the north was used as the research site, and patients with ischemic stroke were used as the research objects. The experimental group received precision acupoint care, and the control group received routine care. The questionnaire was used to collect basic patient information (basic attributes, disease care and TCM constitution), and gut-related assessments. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 22.0 software for descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis, and p \<.05 was considered to have statistical significance.