OBJECTIVETo compare the therapeutic effects between the Hwato neuro and muscle stimulator (SXDZ-100) and the regular electronic stimulator (SDZ-II) on chronic functional constipation.

METHODSSixty-four cases of chronic functional constipation were randomly divided into a (SXDZ-100) observation group (n = 33) and SDZ-II control group (n = 31). For the SXDZ-100 group, under the considerations of patients' endurance, Zhigou(TE 6) and Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) were punctured and then the courle of acupoints on the same side were connected with SXDZ-100 apparatus in reinforcing and reducing by twirling and rotating manipulation wave for 30 min, while in the control group SDZ-II apparatus was applied in the same way mentioned above with disperse-dense wave at frequency of 1Hz/20Hz for 30 min. By means of clinical therapeutic effect evaluation and clinical symptom score, the contrast between two groups can be made.

RESULTSAlthough the total effective rates were both 100.0%, the rate of short term effects in SXDZ-100 group (54.6%, 18/33) is significantly higher than that in SDZ-II group (29.0%, 9/31) (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom scores in both groups decreased significantly (both P < 0.05). And the therapeutic effective indices of the SXDZ-100 group were significantly higher than those of the SDZ- II group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of Hwato neuro and muscle stimulator (SXDZ-100) on chronic functional constipation is superior to that of a regular electronic stimulator (SDZ-II).