Bio Electro Stimulation Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction,
cognitive impairment, and other non-motor symptoms. Here, we propose to use "Bio Electro
Stimulation Therapy" (B.E.S.T.) using the "e-Tapper TT-R1"owned by Immumax International Co.
Ltd., a Hong Kong based company. The "e-Tapper" is a non-invasive, handheld electronic device
designed to apply micro current stimulation to a person's hand at specified points
representing various body parts, such as the head, leg, or foot. This is one form of Bio
Electro Stimulation Therapy, known as "11-point Hand Treatment System". The current delivered
is less than one milliampere. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this micro current stimulation
may reduce resting tremor, restore facial expressions, and improve ease of movement, mood,
and sleep quality in patients with PD. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the
B.E.S.T. Hand Therapy appears to be lacking in the English language (Western) literature. The
goal of this pilot study is to examine whether B.E.S.T. can increase physical activity and
functional fitness, enhance cognition, improve mood and subjective sleep quality, and
modulate resting tremor and gait parameters in PD patients over a 6-week period.

Inclusion Criteria:

- High functioning without presence of cognitive impairment or dementia

- Native-English speaker or fluent in English

- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator

- Prescription medication or other drugs that affect the brain (e.g. anti-depressants,
anxiolytics), except prescription medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

- Poor vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses

- Presence of musculoskeletal impairments (e.g. fractures, hemiplegia, chronic joint
pain)

- Not being able to walk without assistance

- Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment

- Diabetes mellitus

- Taking medications for diabetes mellitus

- Skin irritation, disease or wound on the hands

- Current heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, tachycardia, or other
arrhythmias

- History of heart attack

- Psychiatric or neurological disorders other than Parkinson's disease (e.g. Major
Depressive Disorder, anxiety disorder, epilepsy)