Effect of Acupuncture Therapy on Dysphagic Parkinson's Patients

Effect of Acupuncture Therapy on Dysphagic Parkinson's Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

We are currently conducting a randomized controlled study in China, specifically in three hospitals' rehabilitation medicine departments, focusing on dysphagic participants with Parkinson's disease. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy as an additional intervention for these participants. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group, with 56 individuals in each group. Both groups are receiving standard treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training, while the experimental group is also receiving acupuncture therapy. Our study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of acupuncture in improving swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's disease participants.

We are currently conducting a randomized controlled study in China, specifically in three hospitals' rehabilitation medicine departments, focusing on dysphagic participants with Parkinson's disease. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy as an additional intervention for these participants. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group, with 56 individuals in each group. Both groups are receiving standard treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training, while the experimental group is also receiving acupuncture therapy. Our study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of acupuncture in improving swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's disease participants.

The study lasted 42 days (6 weeks) for each participant. Specifically, our main focus is on the study of Lianquan, Shanglianquan (depression between the hyoid bone and the lower border of the mandible), Yifeng, Fengchi, Wangu, Fengfu, Yamen, Neidaying (depression of 1 inch below the anterior margin of the mandible), Jinjin, Yuye, posterior pharyngeal wall (both sides of the uvula).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >18 years.
• Meeting the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease.
• Diagnosed with dysphagia confirmed by the video fluoroscopic swallowing study.
• Water swallow test> Level 3.
• Stable vital signs, conscious, able to cooperate with assessment and treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dysphagia possibly caused by other reasons, such as cerebrovascular disease, trauma, neuromuscular diseases, malignant diseases of the pharynx and larynx, and digestive tract diseases.
• History of mental diseases or use of antipsychotics.
• Complicated with cognitive impairment or consciousness dysfunction.
• Simultaneously suffering from severe liver, kidney failure, tumors, or hematological diseases.