Acupuncture for treating constipation in Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating constipation associated with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group, with specific acupoints targeted for treatment. The primary outcome measure will be the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) recorded over a specified period. Additional assessments will include colonic transit time and anorectal manometry to evaluate gastrointestinal function. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of acupuncture for non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. A diagnosis of PD (according to the Movement Disorder Society's revised clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease in 2015) and functional constipation (according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria) ;
2. Age between 35 and 80 years;
3. Hoehn-Yahr grade ≤ 3;
4. No medications taken within 2 weeks that may affect gastrointestinal function (such as prucalopride and probiotics);
5. No anticipation in other clinical trials within 1 month;
6. Voluntary engagement in this study, ability to sign the informed consent, and cooperation in the completion of the bowel diary and scale filling.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Organic lesions of the digestive system (such as intestinal adhesions, obstructions, tumors, or malformations in the gastrointestinal tract);
2. A history of abdominal or anorectal surgery that may affect intestinal transit, systemic diseases that may affect the dynamics of the digestive tract (such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism);
3. Serious life-threatening diseases (such as severe cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors);
4. Skin lesions that were inappropriate for needling, the viscose allergy that prevented acupuncture device attachment;
5. Pregnant or lactating women.

Where it's running

• Xi 'an No.3 Hospital
  Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gejuan Zhang, Doctor
• Email: zhanggejuan@163.com
• Phone: +8615934875839

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.