Open-label trial regarding the use of acupuncture and yin tui na in Parkinson's disease outpatients: a pilot study on efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

This study evaluates the effects of sequential tui na massage, acupuncture, and instrument-delivered qigong for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) over a 6-month period.

DESIGN:

Patients received weekly treatments, which included tui na massage prior to acupuncture followed by instrument-delivered qigong. Each patient was assessed at baseline and at 6 months.

SETTING:

The setting was an outpatient research/academic clinic for patients with PD and nonacademic acupuncture clinic.

SUBJECTS:

Twenty-five (25) patients with idiopathic PD were the subjects.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

Before and after treatment patients were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr Staging (H&Y), Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (S & E), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) quality of life assessment, and patient global assessments.

RESULTS:

There were no significant improvements in treatment measures; however, there was a 2.4-point worsening in UPDRS motor scores (24.0 versus 26.4, p = 0.018). There was a 16% improvement in the PDQ- 39 total score (23.2 versus 19.6, p = 0.044) and a 29% improvement in the BDI (9.6 versus 6.8, p = 0.006). Sixteen (16) patients reported moderate to marked improvement. There were no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Acupuncture is safe and well tolerated in patients with PD. Most patients reported subjective improvement. The BDI and PDQ-39 total score, measuring depression and quality of life, demonstrated some improvement, but UPDRS motor scores worsened.

• Authors: Marty L Eng, Kelly E Lyons, Michael S Greene, Rajesh Pahwa
• Journal: Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (J Altern Complement Med) Vol. 12 Issue 4 Pg. 395-9 (May 2006) ISSN: 1075-5535 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16722790 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Acupuncture Therapy (methods)
• Aged
• Breathing Exercises
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Outpatients
• Parkinson Disease (therapy)
• Pilot Projects
• Quality of Life
• Severity of Illness Index
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome