Actively Recruiting
Effect of "Qi-Tonifying, Yang-Warming, and Water-Resolving" Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Motor Symptom Improvement in Early Parkinson's Disease (WARMED): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Jiani Wu · Updated on 2025-07-20
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the clinical effects and safety of acupuncture combined with moxibustion in improving motor symptoms for patients with early-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD). This study aims to assess changes in UPDRS scores to understand how these therapies may affect PD symptoms. Additionally, the study explores objective factors influencing acupuncture's effectiveness and investigates brain activity changes using functional MRI. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives acupuncture and moxibustion therapy at specific points three times a week for eight weeks, alongside their regular PD medication which remains unchanged. The other group undergoes sham acupuncture and sham moxibustion treatments at non-acupuncture points on the same schedule, also continuing their usual PD medications. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at baseline, after the 8-week treatment, and at 8 weeks post-treatment (week 16). Assessments include motor symptom scores (MDS-UPDRS part III and II), rigidity and bradykinesia ratings (VAS scores), overall PD symptom scales, quality of life questionnaires (PDQ-39), sleep and mood scales (PDSS, SDS, SAS), and functional MRI scans. Researchers will monitor changes and subgroup factors like age, gender, and disease severity to understand treatment impact and safety over the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Motor Symptoms in Early Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease according to the 2016 Chinese Diagnostic Criteria
- Hoehn-Yahr stage less than 3 (mild to moderate PD)
- Between 30 and 80 years of age inclusive
- Signed informed consent indicating voluntary participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with Parkinson-plus syndromes or other secondary parkinsonism
- Prior history of deep brain stimulation surgery
- Severe cerebrovascular disease, brain trauma, or history of craniotomy
- Severe dementia or psychiatric disorders preventing cooperation
- Severe coagulation disorders
- Severe systemic organ dysfunction (cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, endocrine, or metabolic)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- History of allergic reaction to acupuncture or moxibustion
- Received acupuncture or moxibustion within the past three months
- Participation in another clinical trial within the past three months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive acupuncture and moxibustion therapy or sham procedures alongside their standard Parkinson's disease medication.
3 visits per week for 8 weeks (24 total sessions)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants are monitored for changes in motor symptoms and other measures after completing the treatment phase.
Visits at week 16 for follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Guang'anmen Hospita, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China, 100000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yu Liu, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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