Study of Acupuncture Treatment for Constipation in Parkinsons Disease Patients Aged 35 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating constipation related to Parkinsons disease PDC. This randomized controlled clinical trial divides eligible patients into two groups one receiving acupuncture and the other receiving sham acupuncture. The study aims to observe changes in bowel movements, constipation symptoms, quality of life, and Parkinsons disease symptoms, using standardized scales and physiological tests at baseline, after treatment, and during follow-up. The acupuncture treatment involves inserting needles at specific traditional Chinese medicine points to a depth of 0.8 to 1 cm. The sham acupuncture group receives needles inserted at shallower depths of 0.2 to 0.3 cm at nonacupuncture points near the real acupoints. Both groups are monitored over a 4-week treatment period followed by an 8-week follow-up phase. This design allows comparison of the effects of real versus sham acupuncture on constipation and related Parkinsons symptoms. Participants will be asked to keep an electronic bowel diary during the study. Researchers will assess weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements CSBMs, constipation symptoms, quality of life, and Parkinsons disease rating scores at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Colonic transit time and anorectal manometry will also be evaluated at these time points using radiopaque markers and water-perfused catheters to measure bowel function. The studys total duration includes baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases, with detailed physiological and questionnaire assessments to monitor outcomes.

Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Related Constipation