Acupuncture treatment in a Parkinson's Disease patient with frozen gait / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

[Objective]This case evaluates the effects of acupuncture for a Parkinson's Disease patient with frozen gait.<BR>[Case]Patient:a 58-year-old male. Chief complaints were frozen gait and fatigue of legs. The gait disturbance was realized about three years ago, and has been gradually worsening. The Hoehn &Yahr stage is III. Treatment:The patient received medication and acupuncture treatment once a week or two for 18 months. Electric acupuncture treatment was adopted on arms and lower legs, and lone needles on the back and legs. Measurements:Outcome measures were timed in a 10 m walk and turn for frozen gait and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue of legs.<BR>[Results]From a long term point of view, there were no significant changes for the outcomes measured. However just after the treatment VAS was statistically improved, and the patient reported a comfortable feeling.<BR>[Conclusion]The effect of acupuncture for frozen gait was not seen, but the improvement in fatigue of legs was noted, and the patient felt comfortable after the treatment.