ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of long-time needle retaining at Baihui(GV20)on post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)and its effects on the cognitive ability and living ability of the patients.Methods:A total of 62 PSCI patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 31 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine treatment for stroke in the recovery period plus cognitive training.The observation group received additional acupuncture at Baihui(GV20)with long-time needle retaining based on the same intervention in the control group.The Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)was used to evaluate the cognitive ability of patients.The activities of daily living(ADL)scale was used to evaluate the living ability of patients.And the mini-mental state examination(MMSE)scale was used to evaluate the mental state,concentration,language,and abstraction cognition of patients.After 4 weeks,the curative efficacy was observed,and the scores of cognitive level,living ability,mental state and concentration,language,and abstraction understanding ability were compared between the two groups.Results:During the trial,1 patient in each group dropped out due to personal reasons and was unable to continue the treatment.After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate was 83.3%in the observation group and 66.7%in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05);the scores of MoCA,ADL,and MMSE,and scores of concentration,language ability,and abstraction understanding ability were all increased,and were statistically different from those before treatment in each group(P<0.05);the scores in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group,and the differences between the groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatment and cognitive training,the clinical efficacy of additional acupuncture at Baihui(GV20)with long-time needle retaining in the treatment of PSCI is better than that of routine treatment plus cognitive training;the treatment can better improve the cognitive function and mental state of patients,and improve their living ability.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of horse-riding squat exercise plus Governor Vessel-regulating Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)therapy on static balance function in patients with stroke.Methods:A total of 176 stroke patients were enrolled as the study subjects and divided into four groups by the random number table method,namely horse-riding squat+Tuina group,horse-riding squat group,Tuina group,and control group,with 44 cases in each group.The control group was treated with rehabilitation balance training.The horse-riding squat+Tuina group,horse-riding squat group,and Tuina group were treated with additional horse-riding squat exercise plus Tuina,horse-riding squat exercise,and Tuina treatment,respectively.Four weeks of treatment was regarded as one treatment course.After 1 treatment course,the balance function of the four groups was compared.Results:After treatment,the ellipse area of motion and the length of motion in all four groups were reduced,and the intra-group differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference in the ellipse area of motion before and after treatment in the horse-riding squat+Tuina group and the horse-riding squat group was larger than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference in the ellipse area of motion before and after treatment in the horse-riding squat+Tuina group was larger than that in the Tuina group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference in the length of motion before and after treatment in the horse-riding squat+Tuina group,the horse-riding squat group,and the Tuina group was greater than that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the pairwise comparison between the horse-riding squat+Tuina group,the horse-riding squat group,and the Tuina group(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Horse-riding squat exercise plus Governor Vessel-regulating Tuina therapy can effectively improve the static balance function in patients with stroke.Training the affected lower limb weight-bearing exercise,adjusting the center of gravity distribution,and promoting the mutual balance and coordination between muscle groups may be the mechanism of improving the static balance function.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the effects of acupuncture combined with Brunnstrom staging on upper-limb motor function, cerebral arterial blood flow velocity, and brain function remodeling after stroke. Methods: A total of 77 patients after stroke were selected between January 2017 and December 2019 to perform a prospective study. All cases were divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method. Both groups were treated with conventional symptomatic treatment for stroke and functional exercise according to the Brunnstrom staging. The observation group was treated with additional acupuncture treatment based on the Brunnstrom staging therapy. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after six-week treatment. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores of dizziness, headache, limb numbness, and language disorders before and after the treatment in the two groups were compared. According to the Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA), the upper-limb motor function before and after the treatment was compared. And the average systolic blood flow velocity of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in the two groups before and after the treatment were compared. According to the modified Edinburgh-Scandinavia stroke scale (MESSS), the nerve function before and after the treatment was compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.9％, significantly higher than 79.0％ of the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the TCM symptom scores of dizziness, headache, limb numbness, and language disorders in both groups decreased, and the scores in the observation group were all significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The FMA score of upper limbs in both groups increased, and the score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The average systolic blood flow velocities of the ACA, MCA and PCA in both groups increased, and were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The MESSS score in both groups decreased, and the score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with Brunnstrom staging is effective for patients after stroke. It can effectively improve the upper-limb motor function and cerebral artery blood flow velocity, promote brain function remodeling, and restore nerve function.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effects of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) combined with graded motor imagery (GMI) on the upper-limb motor function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with poststroke hemiplegia.Methods: A total of 216 patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups by tossing a coin, with 108 cases in each group. The control group was treated with GMI, and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment for four weeks in total. Before and after the treatment, the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), supper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, box and block test (BBT) for hand, co-contraction ratio (CR) of the upper-limb muscles, visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), modified Barthel index (MBI), and short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36) were adopted for observation of the two groups. Results: After the treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, hand BBT, MBI, and SF-36 increased (P<0.05), and the CR of biceps brachii at flexion, the CR of triceps brachii at extension, and the scores of VAS and MAS decreased in both groups (P<0.05). The scores of FMA-UE, upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging, and hand BBT were higher in the observation group than in the control group after the intervention (P<0.05); the CR of biceps brachii at flexion and the CR of triceps brachii at extension were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of MBI and SF-36 were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of VAS and MAS were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tuina combined with GMI can produce more significant effects in improving the upper-limb motor function and QOL in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the efficacy of long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training in improving upper- extremity dysfunction in cerebral stroke patients. Methods: Ninety-five patients with upper-extremity dysfunction after cerebral stroke were randomized into two groups, with 48 cases in the treatment group and 47 cases in the control group. Conventional internal medicine treatment was offered to both groups. In both groups, Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 6, the middle 2/5) and Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 7, the middle 2/5) were selected from the same side of the brain lesion (the side apposing to the hemiplegic limb) for scalp acupuncture treatment. In the treatment group, the scalp acupuncture needles were retained for 7 h, in combination with interactive training, while the needles were also retained for 7 h in the control group but without interactive training. Prior to treatment and at 2-week and 4-week treatment, the two groups were scored using the functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity-Hong Kong (FTHUE-HK) and simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE). Results: The total effective rate was 97.9％ in the treatment group, higher than 74.5％ in the control group (P<0.01). The FTHUE-HK score was higher at 2-week and 4-week treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FTHUE-HK score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FTHUE-HK score was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (both P<0.05). During the whole treatment process, the treatment group had higher FTHUE-HK scores compared with the control group, but there was no statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week treatment (P>0.05), while the between-group difference in the change of the score was statistically significant at 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The FMA-UE score was higher at 2-week and 4-weeks treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FMA-UE score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FMA-UE was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). The FMA-UE score rose gradually with the increase of treatment session, and there was statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week and 4-week treatment, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training results in more significant efficacy than long-retaining scalp acupuncture alone in improving the upper-limb dysfunction after cerebral stroke and the advantage becomes more notable after 2-week consecutive treatment.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints plus language training on the language function and cerebral blood flow in patients with motor aphasia after ischemic stroke. Methods: Eighty-six patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group, with 43 cases in each group. Conventional symptomatic treatment was offered to both groups. Besides, the control group received language training, while the observation group received language training plus additional acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints. Before and after treatment, the aphasia battery of Chinese (ABC) and Chinese functional communication profile (CFCP) were tested, and the mean velocity (Vm) and resistance index (RI) of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) were detected. Results: The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the observation group gained higher scores in oral expression, comprehension, repeating, naming objects, reading, and writing, as well as the general score of ABC (all P<0.05), higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The CFCP score increased in both groups after intervention, showing significant intra-group differences (both P<0.05), and the CFCP score was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, Vm of the left side MCA increased in the control group (P<0.05), while no significant change was observed in RI (P>0.05); in the observation group, Vm of the left side MCA increased and RI decreased significantly compared with the baseline (both P<0.05), and were markedly different from those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints plus language training can produce valid efficacy in treating motor aphasia after ischemic stroke; it can notably improve the language function, everyday oral communication ability, and increase cerebral perfusion of the patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting in improving nail fold microcirculation in the patients with shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) after stroke, and the effects on hemorrheology, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and serum substance P (SP). Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. The control group was treated with physical rehabilitation training, and the observation group was treated with additional muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. After treatment, the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. The changes in shoulder-hand syndrome scale (SHSS), simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), visual analog scale (VAS), activities of daily living (ADL), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, nail fold microcirculation hemorheology indictors [whole blood viscosity (high-shear, low-shear), hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], CGRP and SP levels were observed. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group was 86.1％, higher than 63.9％ in the control group (P<0.05). The overall curative effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of pain sensation, edema, external turn and rotation of the arm in SHSS, and the total score were significantly decreased in both groups (all P<0.05), and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL increased significantly (all P<0.05). The scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05), and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL were higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). After treatment, the whole blood viscosity (high-shear and low-shear) and hematocrit in both groups decreased obviously (all P<0.05), and ESR increased obviously (both P<0.05), and the whole blood viscosity (high-shear and low-shear) and hematocrit in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05), and ESR was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the peritubular state, loop shape, blood flow and total score of nail fold microcirculation in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, SP in both groups decreased obviously (both P<0.05), CGRP increased obviously (both P<0.05), and SP in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), CGRP was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conventional physical rehabilitation training, muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment can significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of SHS, promote the recovery of physical functions, improve the nail fold microcirculation and hemorrheology indictors, and regulate the serum cytokine levels such as CGRP and SP.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint pressure plus long-snake moxibustion for upper-limb spastic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction. Methods: A total of 100 patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group, with 50 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with the same conventional internal medicine and rehabilitation training. The control group was treated with additional acupoint pressure therapy, and the observation group was treated with long-snake moxibustion on the basis of the treatment given to the control group. The Ashworth grade, Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb scale (FMA-UL) and Barthel index (BI) were evaluated, and the root mean square (RMS) values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis on the affected side were measured before and after treatment. The efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Ashworth grade of the observation group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). The scores of FMA-UL and BI in both groups increased compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the scores of FMA-UL and BI in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The RMS values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis in both groups decreased compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the RMS values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on conventional internal medicine and rehabilitation training, acupoint pressure plus long-snake moxibustion has great therapeutic efficacy for upper-limb spastic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction. It can improve the degree of spasticity of the affected upper limb, reduce the muscle tone of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis on the affected side, and enhance the mobility of the affected limb and the activities of daily living.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of acupoint massage plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation on deglutition function and surface electromyography (SEMG) of deglutition muscle groups. Methods: A total of 60 patients with deglutition disorder after stroke were selected and divided into an electrical stimulation group, a massage group and an integrated group according to the random number table method, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in these three groups were given the same routine rehabilitation training for deglutition. In addition, patients in the electrical stimulation group were given extra Vitalstim electrical stimulation, patients in the massage group were given extra acupoint massage on the head, face and neck, and patients in the integrated group were given extra acupoint massage plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation. Fujishima Ichiro food intake level scale (FILS) was scored before and after treatment. The swallowing duration and maximal amplitude of masseter muscle in SEMG were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the FILS score and the maximal amplitude of recruitment potential generated by muscular contraction of masseter muscle group in the three groups were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the swallowing duration of masseter muscle group was shortened compared with that in the same group before treatment (all P<0.05). After treatment, the FILS score in the integrated group was higher than that in the electrical stimulation group and the massage group (both P<0.05). The swallowing duration of masseter muscle group measured by SEMG was lower than that in the electrical stimulation group and the massage group (both P<0.05), while the maximal amplitude was higher than that of the electrical stimulation group and the massage group (P<0.05). After treatment, there were no significant differences in the FILS score, swallowing duration and maximal amplitude of masseter muscle group between the electrical stimulation group and the massage group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Both acupoint massage and electrical stimulation can improve the deglutition function in patients with deglutition disorder after stroke, and improve the coordination and flexibility of masseter muscle. The integration of the two is more effective.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus rehabilitation training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders of qi-deficiency blood stasis pattern. Methods: Sixty-six patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders of qi-deficiency blood stasis patter were divided into an observation group and a rehabilitation group using the random number table method. The two groups both received conventional medications and supportive treatment for stroke. In addition, the observation group received acupuncture plus rehabilitation training while the rehabilitation group only received the same rehabilitation training. The interventions were conducted 3 times a week for a total of 4 weeks in both groups. They were evaluated using Kubota water swallowing test (KWST), Fujishima Ichiro food intake level scale (FILS) and symptoms score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) before and after treatment, and at the 1-month follow-up. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed at the 1-month follow-up. Results: The KWST grading and FILS result after treatment and at the follow-up were significantly different from those before treatment in both groups (all P<0.001); the results of these two items at the follow-up were not significantly different from those after treatment in the two groups (all P>0.05). There were significant differences in the KWST grading and FILS result between the two groups after treatment and at the follow-up (all P<0.05). The TCM symptoms score changed significantly after treatment and at the follow-up compared with that before treatment in both groups (all P<0.001). The TCM symptoms grading efficacy at the follow-up was significantly different from that after treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), while the difference was statistically insignificant in the rehabilitation group (P>0.05). The TCM symptoms grading efficacy in the observation group was significantly different from that in the rehabilitation group after treatment and at the follow-up (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the conventional treatment for stroke, acupuncture plus rehabilitation training or use of rehabilitation training alone both can improve the clinical symptoms in post-stroke deglutition disorders of qi-deficiency blood stasis pattern, but acupuncture plus rehabilitation training can produce more significant efficacy and better long-term efficacy in improving TCM symptoms.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of mind-refreshing and balance-restoring needling method combined with Frenkel exercises in treating ataxia after cerebral stroke. Methods: The recruited 120 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 60 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by mind-refreshing and balance-restoring needling method, while the observation group was given additional lower-limb Frenkel exercises. Before and after treatment and at the follow-up, the ataxic lower-limb function was scored using Berg balance scale (BBS) and international cooperative ataxia rating scale (ICARS), and Barthel index (BI) was adopted to score the activities of daily living (ADL). Results: After treatment, the markedly effective rate was 70.2％ and the total effective rate was 96.5％ in the observation group, versus 39.7％ and 87.9％ in the control group, and the differences in the markedly effective rate and the total effective rate were statistically significant (P<0.01, P<0.05). The intra-group comparisons showed that the BBS, ICARS and BI scores after treatment and at the follow-up were significantly different from those before treatment in both groups (all P<0.01).There were significant differences in the BBS score between the two groups after treatment and at the follow-up (P<0.05, P<0.01); the between-group differences in the ICARS and BI scores were statistically insignificant after treatment (both P>0.05), while the between-group differences in the ICARS and BI scores were statistically significant at the follow-up (both P<0.05). The interaction effects between the scoring time of BBS and BI and the group factor were statistically significant (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: Mind-refreshing and balance-restoring needling can effectively improve the lower-limb ataxic symptoms and ADL after stroke; when combined with Fenkel exercises, this needling method can produce more significant efficacy.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation in the treatment of lower limb extensor spasticity during stroke recovery.Methods:A total of 93 stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group.Forty-four patients in the observation group were treated with traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation,and 49 patients in the control group were treated with modern rehabilitation.The modified Ashworth scale (MAS),the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the knee extensors state,lower limb motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) of the two groups.Results:After treatment,the overall efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).After treatment,the MAS scores of both groups were significantly lower,FMA and MBI scores were significantly higher,and the differences were statistically significant in each group (P＜0.01).After treatment,the MAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P＜0.01).The MBI score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P＜0.05).There were significant differences in the post-treatment changes in MAS,FMA and MBI scores between the two groups (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation therapy can effectively alleviate or prevent lower limb extensor spasticity after stroke,and improve limb mobility and ADL.Hence,it is worthy of clinical promotion.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training in treating pharyngeal deglutition disorder after stroke.Methods:One hundred patients with post-stroke pharyngeal deglutition disorder were randomized into a treatment group and a control group,with 50 cases in each group.The two groups both received routine neurological intervention.In addition,the treatment group was given Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training,while the control group was intervened by swallowing training alone.After eight-week treatment,the two groups were observed in terms of the changes in repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST),modified water swallowing test (MWST),standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL).The clinical efficacies of the two groups were also compared.Results:After treatment,the RSST grading,and scores of MWST,SSA and SWAL-QOL changed significantly in both groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The RSST grading,and scores of MWST,SSA and SWAL-QOL in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The total effective rate and markedly effective rate were respectively 100.0％ and 72.3％ in the treatment group,versus 97.9％ and 34.0％ in the control group.There was a significant difference in the markedly effective rate between the two groups (P＜0.01).The difference in the clinical efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant (P＜0.01).Conclusion:Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training is an effective approach for post-stroke pharyngeal deglutition disorder.Its therapeutic efficacy is more significant than that of swallowing training alone.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at three tongue points plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation in treating deglutition disorder after cerebral stroke. Method Seventy patients with deglutition disorder after cerebral stroke were randomized to treatment and control groups, with 35 cases in each group. Both groups received conventional medication treatment. In addition, the treatment group was intervened by acupuncture at three tongue points plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation, while the control group was intervened by swallowing rehabilitation training. Kubota water swallowing test assessment rating, Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) score and Swallow Quality-of-life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) score in the two groups were observed before and at the end of the treatment, and the clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared. Result The Kubota water swallowing test assessment rating, SSA score and SWAL-QOL score all showed a significant change after the treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the Kubota water swallowing test assessment rating, SSA score and SWAL-QOL score in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 87.5％ in the treatment group and 73.3％ in the control group, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at three tongue points plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation is an effective approach in treating deglutition disorder after cerebral stroke. It can improve swallowing function and quality of life in the patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at gastrointestinal Back-Shu and Front-Mu points for post-stroke functional constipation. Method Sixty-six patients with post-stroke functional constipation were randomized to treatment and control groups, 33 cases each. The treatment group received acupuncture at gastrointestinal Back-Shu and Front-Mu points: Weishu (BL21), Dachangshu (BL25), Xiaochangshu (BL27), Zhongwan (CV12), Tianshu (ST25) and Guanyuan (CV4). The control group took Chinese herbal medicine Liumo Decoction prescribed originally. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. The CCS score was recorded and fecal characteristics were scored in the patients at baseline, during treatment and at follow-up. Result The total efficacy rate was 90.9％ in the treatment group and 42.4％ in the control group. The CCS score and the fecal characteristic score were lower in the two groups after treatment compared with before (P<0.05) and the therapeutic effect was more marked in the treatment group (P<0.05). The CCS score and the fecal characteristic score increased in the two groups at follow-up, but the increments were significantly smaller in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Shu-Mu point combination acupuncture can significantly relieve the symptoms of post-stroke functional constipation and change fecal characteristics. It is superior to Chinese herbal treatment alone.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus intradermal needle in treating mild-to-moderate post-stroke depression (PSD). Method Ninty patients with mild-to-moderate PSD were randomized into group A, B and C, with 30 cases in each group. All the groups were intervened by selecting Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24) and Yintang (GV29). Group A received acupuncture plus intradermal needle; group B, intradermal needle alone; group C, acupuncture plus sham acupuncture. Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) score and Barthel index (BI) score in the three groups were observed before and at the end of the treatment, and the clinical efficacies of the three groups were compared. Result The HDRS score and BI score showed a significant change after the treatment in the three groups (P<0.01). After the treatment, the HDRS score and BI score in the group A and group B was significantly different from those in group C (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0％ in group A versus 86.7％in group B, and 73.3％ in group C; there was a statistically significant difference between group C and group A or B (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion Both acupuncture plus intradermal needle and intradermal needle alone are effective approaches in treating mild-to-moderate PSD. The treatment efficacy of these two methods is similar.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the therapeutic efficacy of eight nape needle therapy in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after cerebral stroke. Method By following a randomized controlled trial design, 200 eligible patients were randomized into an eight nape needle group and a medication group by the random number table, with 100 cases in each group. The patients all received basic medications, while the eight nape needle group was additionally intervened by acupuncture at the eight nape acupoints including Fengchi (GB20), Fengfu (GV16), Dazhui (GV14) and Xiangsihua points (Extra), and the medication group additionally received oral administration of nimodipine. The intervention lasted eight weeks, followed by a three-month follow-up. Before and after treatment, the two groups of patients were evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Barthel Index (BI). Result Respectively at four-week and eight-week treatment and the follow-up, the scores of MMSE, MoCA and BI showed improvements compared with the corresponding baseline (P<0.01, P<0.05);compared with the medication group, the eight nape needle group was superior to the medication group comparing the MMSE score at each time point after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); there were no significant differences in the MoCA and BI scores between the two groups at four-week treatment (P>0.05), but the differences were significant at eight-week treatment and the follow-up (P<0.01). Conclusion Eight nape needle therapy can effectively improve the cognitive function in patients with MCI after cerebral stroke.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of bloodletting at Jing-well points on the recovery of cognitive function and prognosis in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment. Method One hundred patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment were enrolled and divided by the random number table into two groups, with 51 cases in the observation group and 49 cases in the control group. The control group was intervened by conventional treatment, while the observation group was additionally given bloodletting at Jing-well points. The two groups were observed and compared in terms of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), and the plasma cortisol level before and after treatment. The therapeutic efficacy and occurrence rate of adverse reactions of the two groups were also compared. Result After treatment, the MMSE, MoCA and BI scores all increased in the two groups, but the scores of MMSE, MoCA and BI in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 94.1％ in the observation group, higher than 71.4％ in the control group (P<0.05). The plasma cortisol level dropped after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The occurrence rate of adverse reactions was 7.8％ in the observation group, lower than 22.4％ in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Bloodletting at Jing-well points as assistant can effectively improve the mental state, cognitive function and activities of daily living, and to some extent reduce the happening of adverse reactions in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus for deglutition disorder of stroke patients in convalescence stage.Methods:A total of 136 patients conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups by the random number table,including group A of 46 cases,group B of 44 cases and group C of 46 cases.Patients in group A received swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment,patients in group B received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method treatment,and patients in group C received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment.The treatment was given once a day for 10 d as a course,the whole treatment lasted for 4 courses.Therapeutic evaluation items including water-swallowing test (WST),standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were measured before treatment,after treatment and at follow-up visit (2 months after treatment).Results:After treatment,scores of WST and MBI in all three groups increased significantly (all P＜0.05),while the SSA score dropped significantly (all P＜0.05).After treatment and during follow-up visit period,score of WST in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and group B (both P＜0.05),while the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05);the SSA score in group C was substantially lower than that in group A and group B (all P＜0.05),the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05);the MBI scores in group B and group C were substantially higher than that in group A (all P＜0.05),the difference between group B and group C showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05).After treatment and during follow-up visit period,the differences in overall therapeutic effect between group A and group B showed no statistical significance (P＞0.05),while the overall therapeutic effect in group C was substantially better than that in group A and group B (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Both mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method and swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus can alleviate symptoms of deglutition disorder of stroke patients respectively,and the combination of two methods can improve the therapeutic effect.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of warm joint needling plus rehabilitation techniques on the balance function and quality of life (QOL) of patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke.Methods:Ninety patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke were randomized into a rehabilitation group,a warm joint needling group and an observation group,with 30 cases in each group.The rehabilitation group was intervened by Bobath therapy,the warm joint needling group was treated with joint needling on the affected side plus warm needling,and the observation group was given the same rehabilitation treatment as the rehabilitation group together with the same warm joint needling as the warm joint needling group.The three groups were treated once another day,1 month as a treatment course for 6 months.Before the treatment,and respectively after 2-week,1-month,3-month,and 6-month treatment,the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used to measure the anti-spasm ability of the lower limb,the Berg balance scale (BBS) was adopted to evaluate the balance function,and the stroke-specific quality of life scale (SS-QOL)was employed to estimate the QOL.Results:After 3-month and 6-month treatment,the lower-limb MAS scores in the observation group were significantly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group (all P＜0.05).After 1-month,3-month and 6-month treatment,the BBS scores in the observation group were significantly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group (all P＜0.05).After 2-week,1-month,3-month and 6-month treatment,the SS-QOL scores in the observation group were markedly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Warm joint needling plus rehabilitation can effectively improve the lower-limb spasticity state,balance function and QOL in patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke.