Efficacy of Acupuncture for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Related Conditions (NCT06390761)

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | NCT06390761 |
| Status | RECRUITING |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Sponsor | To be verified |
| Study Type | Interventional |
| Intervention | Acupuncture |
| Conditions | Parkinson's Disease |

Scientific Rationale

Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi). In Parkinson's disease, acupuncture has been explored as a complementary therapy to address both motor and non-motor symptoms.

Potential Mechanisms:

Trial Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| NCT Number | NCT06390761 |
| Status | RECRUITING |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Sponsor | To be verified |
| Study Type | Interventional |
| Intervention | Acupuncture |
| Conditions | Parkinson's Disease |

Scientific Rationale

Acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi). In Parkinson's disease, acupuncture has been explored as a complementary therapy to address both motor and non-motor symptoms.

Potential Mechanisms:

Evidence Base

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested that acupuncture may provide modest benefits for PD patients, though the evidence remains heterogeneous and further well-designed trials are needed.

Meta-analysis findings:

• Moderate-quality evidence suggests acupuncture improves UPDRS motor scores [@kw2006]
• Combined with medication, acupuncture may allow for lower drug doses [@sm2021]
• Non-motor symptoms (sleep, depression) show significant improvement in some studies [@yl2017]
• Electroacupuncture may be more effective than manual acupuncture for motor symptoms [@hx2022]

• Increased dopamine levels in striatum after treatment
• Modulation of abnormal functional connectivity
• Reduced neuroinflammation markers
• Enhanced neurotrophic factor expression

Study Design

Methodology

• Design: Interventional study
• Allocation: To be determined
• Intervention: Acupuncture treatment protocol
• Primary Outcome: Efficacy measures for PD-related conditions
• Duration: Typically 8-12 weeks of treatment with follow-up

Assessment Parameters

Outcomes likely include:

• Motor function assessments (UPDRS, timed tests, finger tapping)
• Quality of life measures (PDQ-39, SF-36)
• Non-motor symptom questionnaires (MDS-UPDRS part I, sleep scales)
• Safety and tolerability
• Biomarker assessments (where feasible)

Acupuncture Protocol Considerations

Standard PD acupuncture protocols often include:

• Primary points: GB34 (Yanglingquan), LR3 (Taichong), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), EX-HN1 (Sishencong)
• Adjunct points: Based on symptoms (tremor, rigidity, gait)
• Stimulation: Manual or electroacupuncture
• Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week typical

Therapeutic Implications

Complementary Therapy Potential

This trial evaluates whether acupuncture can serve as an effective complementary approach to standard PD pharmacotherapy.

Potential Benefits:

• Non-pharmacological intervention with minimal side effects
• May reduce medication requirements
• Could improve quality of life
• Addresses multiple symptom domains
• Cost-effective therapeutic approach
• Patient-driven, can be self-administered after training

Integration with Standard Care

Positive results would support:

• Integration of acupuncture into multidisciplinary PD care
• Development of standardized acupuncture protocols for PD
• Combination approaches with dopaminergic medications
• Patient-accessible complementary therapy options
• Use as adjunct to physical therapy and exercise

Considerations for PD-Specific Applications

| Symptom Domain | Potential Benefit | Evidence Level |
|---------------|------------------|----------------|
| Motor (tremor) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Motor (bradykinesia) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Motor (rigidity) | Low-Moderate | Low |
| Gait/Falls | Low-Moderate | Low |
| Sleep quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Depression/Anxiety | Moderate | Low |
| Pain | Low-Moderate | Low |

Safety Profile

Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated with minimal risks:

• Minor bruising or bleeding at insertion sites
• Rare risk of infection with proper technique
• Generally contraindicated at certain points in patients on anticoagulants
• Avoided in areas with skin conditions or infections

Expected Outcomes Based on Mechanism

Primary Expected Outcomes

Based on the acupuncture mechanisms:

Mechanistic Rationale

• Dopamine Modulation: May enhance endogenous dopamine release
• Neuroinflammation Reduction: Anti-inflammatory effects via autonomic regulation
• GABA Activation: May increase inhibitory neurotransmission

Cross-References to NeuroWiki Mechanisms

• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease](/mechanisms/pd-non-motor-symptoms) — Symptom target
• [Dopamine Biosynthesis Pathway](/mechanisms/dopamine-biosynthesis-pathway) — Dopamine pathway

Related Pages

• [Acupuncture Therapy](/therapeutics/acupuncture-parkinsons)
• [Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurodegeneration](/therapeutics/cam-neurodegeneration)

References