Actively Recruiting
A Study Assessing the Effects of Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Chronic Appendicitis: a Single-center, Randomized, Double-blind Study
Led by The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China · Updated on 2024-03-12
84
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a condition where symptoms worsen over time, and medications may become less effective, significantly lowering patients' quality of life. Recent findings suggest a close link between PD symptoms and intestinal health, especially in patients with chronic appendicitis. Acupuncture targeting points related to constipation and chronic appendicitis has shown promise in improving both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. This study aims to further understand acupuncture's role in treating PD comprehensively, particularly focusing on intestinal acupuncture. Participants in this randomized, double-blind trial will receive acupuncture treatment at specific points including Tianshu, Zusanli, Hegu, Taichong, Shangjuxu, Jigou, Zhaohai, Lanwei, and Shousanli. The interventions involve comfort needle and comfort embedding needle techniques. The study compares an experimental acupuncture group with a control group receiving sham acupuncture, where the needle only touches the skin without penetration. Treatment schedules and methods are designed to assess acupuncture's effects on PD symptoms in patients with chronic appendicitis. During the study, participants will be evaluated using the MDS Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III over three months to measure motor symptom changes. Researchers will monitor symptom improvements and adverse events while ensuring participants maintain stable anti-PD medication if used. The trial includes informed consent, clinical examinations, imaging for appendicitis confirmation, and other assessments to ensure safety and data accuracy. The total participation spans the treatment and follow-up periods up to the study's end in 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Study Assessing the Effects of Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Chronic Appendicitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients showing bradykinesia with resting tremor and/or muscle stiffness
- Chronic appendicitis confirmed by appendix CT evaluated by two experts
- Signed informed consent from patients and their guardians
- Normal blood clotting function
- Stable use of oral anti-Parkinson's drugs for at least 2 weeks before enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Use of dopamine blockers or depleters causing drug-induced parkinsonism
- Normal presynaptic dopaminergic system on neuroimaging
- Severe brain trauma or complex brain surgery within past 5 years
- Diagnosed with cognitive disorders outside Parkinson's spectrum (e.g., Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia)
- Severe neuropsychiatric disorders like epilepsy, bipolar disorder, major depression per DSM-V
- Serious systemic diseases such as stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, liver/kidney diseases, or severe sensory disorders
- Severe swallowing difficulties
- Inability to complete study visits or examinations as required
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 - 3 months
Participants receive either acupuncture treatment or sham acupuncture treatment targeting specific acupoints.
Multiple visits during treatment period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China
Hefei, Anhui, China, 230001
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yuhua Chen, M.M.S.
C
Chao Han, M.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here