Acupuncture for Parkinson's (NCT06390761)
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?
- You are never charged a fee to join a legitimate clinical trial, and the study treatment and study-specific tests are provided by the trial sponsor at no charge. In the US, routine care you would receive anyway can still be billed to you or your insurance; coverage rules differ by country, and trials in the UK and Canada usually run through public health systems. Travel, parking, and time are real costs, and some trials reimburse them while others do not. Before enrolling, ask the study coordinator to explain in writing what is and is not covered.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years.
- 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.
- 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.
- Will I get a placebo in this trial?
- This trial has 2 groups, and 1 is a sham (a pretend version of the procedure) group. Because assignment is random, you have about a 1 in 2 chance (roughly 50%) of being in the sham group, assuming the groups are filled equally. Ask the coordinator to confirm the exact assignment ratio.
- How many visits does this trial involve?
- Assessments occur at baseline (week 0), post-treatment (week 4), and follow-up (week 12).
- What procedures are involved in this trial?
- Based on the protocol, this trial involves: Questionnaires & surveys (non-invasive). Confirm the full schedule with the study coordinator.