This study is 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.
This study is 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).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
80
Balance function training: Patients were instructed to achieve weight shift between the left and right sides of the balance bar in a standing position. Walking function training: based on hip, knee, and ankle control training, patients were instructed to take steps training. Core muscle strength training: Patients were instructed to maintain 3 minutes of training in Bridge-style movement. Functional training of daily living: including training on dressing and undressing, independent eating, painting, and writing. Routine rehabilitation training was performed 30-45 minutes/time, 1-2 times/day, 5-7 days/week.
Swallowing-related organ training involves various exercises targeting the lip, mandibular muscle, cheek, tongue muscle, soft palate, as well as exercises for vocal cord closure, laryngeal lifting, and pharyngeal muscle training. These exercises are performed for 5-15 minutes each session, 1-2 times per day, and 5-7 days per week. Sensory stimulation training is conducted using a self-made popsicle, where medical staff gently stimulate the patient's cheek, soft palate, posterior pharyngeal wall, tongue surface, and sublingual area repeatedly. Each session lasts 5-25 minutes, performed 1-3 times per day, and 3-7 days per week. Once the patient's swallowing function improves to a certain extent, allowing for safe oral intake, direct training or oral feeding training can be gradually introduced.
Penetration-Aspiration Scale-liquid
The Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was conducted under video fluoroscopic swallowing study. PAS is a standardized tool used to assess the safety of swallowing. The scale was developed to evaluate the entry of material into the airway (penetration) and the subsequent passage of material below the vocal folds (aspiration) during swallowing. The PAS scale ranges from 1 to 8, with each level representing different degrees of penetration or aspiration
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Penetration-Aspiration Scale-paste
The Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was conducted under video fluoroscopic swallowing study. PAS is a standardized tool used to assess the safety of swallowing. The scale was developed to evaluate the entry of material into the airway (penetration) and the subsequent passage of material below the vocal folds (aspiration) during swallowing. The PAS scale ranges from 1 to 8, with each level representing different degrees of penetration or aspiration.
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Swallowing time
The assessment was conducted under video fluoroscopic swallowing study. A 60% barium sulfate suspension was mixed with different doses of thickening agents. The liquid (60% barium sulfate suspension) was used. A shorter time indicated better swallowing function.
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
body mass index
Patients' body mass index was assessed with the physical check, with the combination of height and body weight. as kg/m\^2, reference range: 18.5 kg/m2≤BMI\<24 kg/m2.
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Serum Albumin
Patients' Serum Albumin was assessed from the routine blood test, reference range: 35\~50 g/L.Values below the reference range for these indicators indicated an unsatisfying nutritional status (risk of malnutrition).
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The whole acupuncture therapy was performed once daily for 5 days per week, including acupuncture needle and tongue needle. Acupuncture needle: Main acupoints: Lianquan, Shanglianquan (depression between the hyoid bone and the lower border of the mandible), Yifeng; Auxiliary acupoints: Fengchi, Wangu, Fengfu, Yamen, Neidaying (depression of 1 inch below the anterior margin of the mandible). Tongue needle (pricking): Acupoints: Jinjin, Yuye, posterior pharyngeal wall (both sides of the uvula).
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Prealbumin
Patients' Prealbumin was assessed from the routine blood test, reference range: 200\~400 mg/L.Values below the reference range for these indicators indicated an unsatisfying nutritional status (risk of malnutrition).
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Hemoglobin
Patients' Hemoglobin was assessed from the routine blood test, reference range: males: 120\~160 g/L, females: 110\~150 g/L. Values below the reference range for these indicators indicated an unsatisfying nutritional status (risk of malnutrition).
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42
Swallowing Quality of Life
Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) is a questionnaire designed to evaluate the impact of swallowing problems on a patient's quality of life. It includes 44 items covering various aspects such as eating desire, food selection, communication, and mental health. The SWAL-QOL total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Therefore, in this case, the higher the score, the better the individual's quality of life related to their swallowing function.
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 42