Segmental Laser Acupuncture for Constipation and Sleep in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by a neurologist according to the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) clinical diagnostic criteria.
• Coexisting chronic constipation meeting the Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Age ≥ 50 years.
• Stable dosage of anti-Parkinson's medications for at least 4 weeks prior to study enrollment.
• Ability to understand the study procedures, provide written informed consent, and comply with scheduled visits and study assessments.

Exclusion criteria

• Organic gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastrointestinal malignancy, intestinal obstruction, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Severe cognitive impairment, including dementia that significantly interferes with study participation, or severe psychiatric disorders that affect compliance.
• Severe skin infection or open wounds at the treatment sites, including the thoracolumbar or sacral regions.
• Implanted electronic medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, unless deemed eligible after appropriate safety evaluation.
• Recent initiation or significant dose adjustment of medications that may affect gastrointestinal motility.
• Photosensitivity disorders or use of medications with significant photosensitizing effects.
• Significant dermatological diseases or skin cancer.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Acute illness at the time of enrollment.
• Abnormal blood pressure or fever at the time of treatment or enrollment.
• Active or untreated malignancy.
• Pregnancy.
• Significant physical abnormalities or sensory neurological abnormalities that may affect the safety or assessment of the intervention.
• Active infectious diseases.
• Coagulation disorders or clinically significant bleeding disorders.
• Presence of urinary or gastrointestinal stones.