Relieve Parkinson constipation through acupuncture
- Trial ID
- NCT06390761
- Official Title
- Acupuncture for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Related Constipation
- Goal
- Relieve Parkinson constipation through acupuncture
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Xi'an No.3 Hospital
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 60 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Constipation, Non-motor Symptom, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Interventions
- Acupuncture
Summary For Families
The trial aims to see whether acupuncture can ease the constipation that many people with Parkinson's experience, by increasing bowel movement frequency and improving stool consistency. Needles are placed at specific points to stimulate nerves and influence the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, which may speed intestinal transit and alter pain and motility signaling; acupuncture does not directly affect levodopa and can be used with usual Parkinson's meds, though the study asks participants to stop other drugs that affect gut function for two weeks before starting. They're looking for people aged 35 to 80 with a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis and functional constipation, at Hoehn-Yahr stage 1 to 3, without major GI disease, recent abdominal surgery, skin problems that prevent needling, pregnancy, or serious life-threatening illnesses. The study plans to enroll about 60 people and asks participants to keep a bowel diary and complete symptom scales.
Locations
- Xi 'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Acupuncture. The trial aims to see whether acupuncture can ease the constipation that many people with Parkinson's experience, by increasing bowel movement frequency and improving stool consistency. Needles are placed at specific points to stimulate nerves and influence the autonomic and enteric nervous systems, which may speed intestinal transit and alter pain and motility signaling; acupuncture does not directly affect levodopa and can be used with usual Parkinson's meds, though the study asks participants to stop other drugs that affect gut function for two weeks before starting. They're looking for people aged 35 to 80 with a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis and functional constipation, at Hoehn-Yahr stage 1 to 3, without major GI disease, recent abdominal surgery, skin problems that prevent needling, pregnancy, or serious life-threatening illnesses. The study plans to enroll about 60 people and asks participants to keep a bowel diary and complete symptom scales.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 35 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.