RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of balanced muscular tension needling method for improving disabled function of stroke patients with spastic paralysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and six cases with spastic paralysis were randomly divided into an observation group (54 cases) with balanced muscular tension needling method and a control group (52 cases) with routine acupuncture method. The observation group was treated by acupuncture at the side of extensor and flexor of limbs; while the control group was treated by acupuncture at Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5) etc. And the change of muscle strength, muscle tonus, muscle spasticity and range of joint motion were evaluated hefore and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 30 days of treatment, the total effective rate of 96.3% (52/54) in the observation group was superior to that of 84.6% (44/32) in the control group (P < 0.01). After treatment muscle strength, muscle tonus, muscle spasticity and range of joint motion were improved in the two groups, hut the observation group was superior to the control group (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Balanced muscular tension needling method can significantly improve the muscle strength, muscle tonus, muscle spasticity and the range of joint motion of the stroke patients with spastic paralysis.</p>