ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupuncture plus rehabilitation training on the function recovery of patients with post-stroke depression.MethodNinety-eight patients with post-stroke depression were randomized into two groups to receive conventional management and anti-depressants. The control group was intervened by sham-acupuncture plus Fluoxetine tablets and comprehensive rehabilitation training, while the observation group was by acupuncture plus Fluoxetine tablets and comprehensive rehabilitation training. Prior to the intervention and after 8-week treatments, the depression state, motor function and activities of daily life (ADL) were evaluated by using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The indexes and quality of life were also determined during the 3-month follow-up study.ResultBefore intervention, there were no significant differences in comparing HAMD, FMA and MBI scores (P>0.05). After 8-week treatment, the HAMD, FMA and MBI scores were significantlyimprovedin both groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). After treatment, the HAMD, FMA, and MBI scores in the observation group were significantlydifferent fromthat in the control group (P<0.01,P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% in the observation group versus 79.2% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The 3-month follow-up study showed significant differences in comparing the indexes between the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01).ConclusionAcupuncture plus rehabilitation training benefits the improvement of depression state, motor function, cognitive function and quality of life in patients withpost-stroke depression, and is worth promotion.