ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the influence of acupoint catgut embedding combined with exercise therapy on the rehabilitation effect of patients with upper limb spasticity after stroke and qi deficiency and blood stasis type.Methods:A total of 76 patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of upper limb spasticity after stroke who met the inclusion criteria in the hospital were enrolled between May 2018 and May 2020, and they were divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 38 in each group. The control group was given conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the observation group was combined with acupoint catgut embedding and exercise therapy intervention on the basis of the control group. The degree of elbow spasm was assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale and hemiplegic hand function was evaluated by Hemiplegic Hand Function Classification Scale. Simplified Fugl-Meyer Scale was used to evaluate the limb motor ability and Modified Barthel Index was used for ability of daily living, and the adverse events during treatment were recorded.Results:After treatment, the improvement degree of elbow spasm in observation group was significantly better than that in control group ( Z=2.29, P=0.022), and the hemiplegic hand function classification was significantly better than that in control group ( Z=2.08, P=0.038). After treatment, the scores of upper and lower extremities and total score of Fugl-Meyer Scale in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group ( t=7.17, 7.40, 11.39, all Ps<0.001). While the scores of hemiplegia, faintness, shortness of breath and sallow complexion in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=7.82, 12.87, 12.55, 7.95, all Ps<0.001). The Barthel index in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group at 6 and 12 months of follow-up ( t=4.82. 6.45, all Ps<0.001). Conclusion:Acupoint catgut embedding combined with exercise therapy for intervention can improve the hemiplegic hand function, and enhance the limb motor function and daily living ability of patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of upper limb spasticity after stroke.