Treatment of finger spasm after stroke with wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) combined with rehabilitation training: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect of wheat grain moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training and simple rehabilitation training on finger spasm after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with finger spasm after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The control group was given routine rehabilitation training, once a day, 30 min each time. The observation group was given wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) on the basis of the control group, 8~10 moxibustion cones at each point, once a day. Both groups were treated for 6 days as one course of treatment for 4 courses. The motor function of the affected hand (Fugl-Meyer assessment [FMA] score) and muscle tension (modified Ashworth scale [MAS] grading), surface EMG indexes (wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle mean square [RMS] value), hand muscle strength (neurological deficit score [NDS]) and daily living ability (modified Barthel index [MBI] score) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, FMA and MBI scores in the 2 groups were increased compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The RMS value of wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle in relaxation and passive function testsand and NDS in the 2 groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). MAS grading in the 2 groups was improved compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was better than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.5% (37/40), which was higher than that of the control group (80.0%, 32/40, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) combined with rehabilitation training can improve the hand motor function and daily living ability of patients with finger spasm after stroke, improve the degree of spasm and the function of wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle, the clinical effect is better than simple rehabilitation training.

Origin and relationship of -well points and Shixuan (EX-UE 11) / 中国针灸

Both the twelve -well points and Shixuan (EX-UE 11) are the commonly used first-aid points. These two kinds of acupoints are located closely and similar in function, hence, they are often confused in application. In order to explore the origin of their location and theory as well as their relationship, the relevant data were retrieved. It has been found that the relationship between -well points and Shixuan (EX-UE 11) is traced at the earliest time to (). It is believed that the -well points refer to the starting points or the ending points of the twelve regular meridians and Shixuan (EX-UE 11) are located at the crossing sites of - related meridians of the regular meridians. These two kinds of acupoints are interconnected, share the same source and are also different from each other. Qiduan (EX-LE 12) is also named as foot-Shixuan. Shixuan (EX-UE 11) and Qiduan (EX-LE 12) can be regarded as the same category, just like -well points. In clinical practice, the -well points are generally selected in treatment of internal diseases, local diseases and those on the running course of meridians. They can be used separately in treatment. Shixuan (EX-UE 11) is the first option, or combined with Qiduan (EX-LE 12) in the emergent treatment of tense syndrome and syncope. The -well points and Shixuan (EX-UE 11) are different even though sharing the same origin. They are mutually benefited and supplemented with each other in clinical practice.