Parkinson's disease, a progressive neuro-degeneration of multiple systems damaging motor and non-motor functions, affects individual and societal dimensions negatively. In addition to standard treatments, complementary and alternative medicine has been adopted, in which acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice by needle penetration at specific stimulation points (acupoints) along the body, indicates positive outcomes in this illness. Apart from offering an overview of using acupuncture in Parkinson's disease, this literature review analyses the effects of acupuncture on Parkinson's-induced physical symptoms and mental problems such as slow movements, stiffness, constipation, and sleep disorders. In light of the 35 reviewed research projects in mainland China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States of America, this study reveals the optimization of this approach through combined therapy and its preventive contribution using acupuncture alone. It also suggests research and practical implications that hint at enhancements in medical applications.
目的：通过与口服多巴丝肼片(美多芭)对照评价2 Hz/100 Hz 电针和100 Hz 电针对帕金森病(PD)肌僵直的影响。方法将91例帕金森病患者随机分为药物组31例、电针1组(2 Hz/100 Hz 组)30例、电针2组(100 Hz 组)30例。电针1组、电针2组分别是在药物组治疗基础上配合2 Hz/100 Hz 电针、100 Hz 电针治疗。运用统一帕金森病评分量表(UPDRS)和肌张力评定量表(TAS)于治疗前、治疗30 d、治疗90 d 及180 d 回访时进行评分。结果组内 UPDRS、TAS 评分比较，电针2组在治疗30 d、90 d 时均无统计学意义，在180 d 回访时具有统计学意义(P＜0.01)；电针1组及药物组在治疗30 d 时均无统计学意义，在90 d 及180 d 回访时均具有统计学意义(P＜0.01)。与药物组比较，电针2组在治疗90 d 及180 d 回访时均具有统计学意义(P＜0.01)；电针1组在治疗30 d、90 d、180 d 回访时差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。结论100 Hz 电针配合药物治疗在改善 PD 患者肌僵直方面疗效优于2 Hz/100 Hz 电针配合药物治疗及单纯口服药物治疗。
Objectives. To explore effectiveness and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) add-on treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods. Fifty PD patients were randomly assigned to drug plus EA (D + EA) group and drug alone (D) group. Subjects in D + EA group received stimulation in points of bilateral fengfu, fengchi, hegu, and central dazhui. Participants were evaluated by scales for motor and nonmotor symptoms. Levels of neuroinflammatory factors and neurotransmitters in serum were detected. Results. EA add-on treatment remarkably reduced scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and its subitems of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia and conspicuously decreased UPDRS III scores in patients with bradykinesia-rigidity and mixed types and mild severity. Depression and sleep disturbances were eased, which were reflected by decreased scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and elevated noradrenaline level. Effects of EA add-on treatment on motor symptoms and sleep disturbances were superior to drug alone treatment, markedly improving life quality of PD patients. EA add-on treatment decreased nitric oxide level in serum. Conclusions. EA add-on treatment is effective on most motor symptoms and some nonmotor symptoms and is particularly efficacious in PD patients at early stage. Antineuroinflammation may be a mechanism of EA add-on treatment.
Parkinson's disease, a progressive neuro-degeneration of multiple systems damaging motor and non-motor functions, affects individual and societal dimensions negatively. In addition to standard treatments, complementary and alternative medicine has been adopted, in which acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice by needle penetration at specific stimulation points (acupoints) along the body, indicates positive outcomes in this illness. Apart from offering an overview of using acupuncture in Parkinson's disease, this literature review analyses the effects of acupuncture on Parkinson's-induced physical symptoms and mental problems such as slow movements, stiffness, constipation, and sleep disorders. In light of the 35 reviewed research projects in mainland China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States of America, this study reveals the optimization of this approach through combined therapy and its preventive contribution using acupuncture alone. It also suggests research and practical implications that hint at enhancements in medical applications.
