High-Frequency Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation at the Sacrum Alleviates Chronic Constipation in Parkinson’s Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of high-frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation (HF-rMS) at the sacrum for chronic constipation in Parkinson’s patients (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eventually 48 PD patients were enrolled from July 2019 to October 2020, and randomly divided into the HF-rMS group (the intervention group, n = 24) and the sham HF-rMS group (the control group, n = 24).

The intervention group received HF-rMS at the sacrum, whereas the control group received ineffective magnetic stimulation.

We performed clinical evaluation before and after HF-rMS treatment, including constipation score scale (KESS questionnaire), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III exercise examination), Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) stage of motor function; simple mental status scale (MMSE), anxiety/depression table (HAD-A/HAD-D), the activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life scale for patients with constipation (PAC-QOL) to evaluate symptoms and satisfaction of PD patients with chronic constipation.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics between the two groups.

As compared to the control group, the HF-rMS group displayed a larger change (pre and posttreatment) in the KESS scores of PD patients with chronic constipation, suggesting a significant improvement.

Moreover, HF-rMS significantly promoted the mood, activity of daily living, and quality of life of PD patients when comparing the alteration of HAD-A/HAD-D scores, ADL scores, and PAC-QOL scores between the two groups.

Finally, there was no significant difference in the change of the UPDRS III score and the MMSE score between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: HF-rMS at the sacrum can improve chronic constipation in PD patients.