Effect of Electroacupuncture at Different Frequencies on Muscle Rigidity in Parkinson’s Disease / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture respectively at 2 Hz/100 Hz and 100 Hz on muscle rigidity in Parkinson’s disease (PD) by comparing it to oral administration of Levodopa and Benserazide Hydrochloride tablets. Method Ninety-one PD patients were randomized into a medication group of 31 cases, electroacupunture group 1 (2 Hz/100 Hz) of 30 cases and electroacupuncture group 2 (100 Hz) of 30 cases. Electroacupuncture group 1 and 2 were respectively intervened by electroacupuncture at 2 Hz/100 Hz and 100 Hz in addition to the treatment given to the medication group. The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and TAS were evaluated prior to intervention, after 30-day treatment, 90-day treatment, and in the 180-day follow-up study. Result Compared to that before intervention, the UPDRS and TAS scores were insignificantly changed after 30-day and 90-day treatment, but significantly changed in the 180-day follow-up study (P 0.05). Conclusion Compared to electroacupuncture at 2 Hz/100 Hz plus medication and medication alone, electroacupuncture at 100 Hz plus medication can produce a better therapeutic efficacy in improving muscle rigidity of PD.