Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common and debilitating nonmotor symptom of PD. Because preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture improves fatigue in other conditions, we sought to test its efficacy in PD. Methods Ninety‐four PD patients with moderate‐to‐high fatigue were randomized to receive 6 weeks of biweekly real or sham acupuncture. The primary outcome was change on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included sleep, mood, quality of life, and maintenance of benefits at 12 weeks. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in fatigue at 6 and 12 weeks, but with no significant between‐group differences. Improvements from baseline in mood, sleep, and quality of life were noted without between‐group differences. Overall, 63% of patients reported noticeable improvements in their fatigue. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions Acupuncture may improve PD‐related fatigue, but real acupuncture offers no greater benefit than sham treatments. PD‐related fatigue should be added to the growing list of conditions that acupuncture helps primarily through nonspecific or placebo effects. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society