Effects of hyperbaric oxygen combined with acupuncture and low-dose L-dopa on the improvement of life quality of the patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) combined with acupuncture and low-dose L-dopa on the improvement of motor and non-motor symptoms and life quality of the patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods One hundred and forty PD patients were chosen for our study. With the knowledge and consent of the patients and their dependents, the patients were divided into 4 groups, by different treatment methods: group A (the acupuncture plus small-dose L-dopa group, n=20 cases), group B (the HBO plus small-dose L-dopa group, n=20 cases), group C (the HBO plus acupuncture and plus small-dose L-dopa group, n=60 cases), and group D (the small-dose L-dopa group, n=40 cases). Improvement of motor and non-motor symptoms and their life quality of the patients were assessed by using the EQ-5D, Uniform Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) Rating Scale, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Results (1)After one month of treatment, the scores of UPDRS I, UPDRS II and UPDRS Ⅲ for group A were respectively 7.71, 6.14 and 6.50, the scores for group B were respectively 6.87, 6.09 and 6.66, the scores for group C were respectively 6.69, 6.66 and 9.68, and the scores for group D were respectively 7.79, 6.07 and 6.41. The scores of HAMA, HAMD, PDSS and EQ-5D were significantly improved as compared with those before treatment(P<0.05), indicating that the 4 treatment profiles within a relatively short time could all improve the motor and non-motor symptoms and life quality of the PD patients The scores of UPDRS Ⅲ, HAMA, HAMD and PDSS for group C were more significantly improved(P<0.05). (2)After 6 months of prolonged treatment, statistical significance could be noted in the scores of UPDRS Ⅲ, HAMA, HAMD and PDSS in the patients of group C(P<0.05). (3)Following 6 months of prolonged treatment, the life quality of the patients in group C tended to improve, and statistical significance could also be noted, when comparisons were made with that of the other groups(P<0.05). Conclusions HBO combined with acupuncture and small-dose L-dopa could reduce the dosage of L-dopa, decrease adverse reactions and improve the life quality of patients with Parkinson's disease. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Acupuncture; Parkinson's disease; Life quality; Motor symptom; Non-motor symptom