Combining scalp acupuncture with feedback can relieve post-stroke spasticity and paralysis of the lower extremities / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of combining scalp acupuncture with feedback training on muscle tone, motor ability, plantar pressure distribution and joint range of motion of stroke survivors with lower limb spastic paralysis.Methods:A total of 212 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a combination group ( n=70), an exercise group ( n=70) and a scalp acupuncture group ( n=72) according to a random number table. All of the patients received routine medication and 120 minutes of rehabilitation training six days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The rehabilitation training included guidance on good posture, posture change training, balance training and gait training. The scalp acupuncture and exercise groups were additionally provided with 40 minutes of scalp acupuncture and lower limb intelligent feedback training, while the combination group was given both. Muscle tension, balance and lower extremity movement were quantified before and after the training, and a gait evaluation system was used to detect the plantar pressure distribution on the affected side and the range of motion range of the lower limb joints during walking. Results:After the treatment, significant differences were observed in the average modified Ashworth scores, modified Berg scale scores, Fugl-Meyer lower extremity ratings and modified Barthel Index scores compared with before the treatment. The average scores of the combination group were then significantly better than those of the other two groups. The average load bearing ratios of the affected toes, metatarsal bones Ⅰ-V, medial arch, external arch, medial heel and external heel had improved significantly in all of the groups, with the improvement of the combination group again significantly greater than those of the other groups. The same pattern of improvement was observed in the groups′ average pelvic rotation angles, hip flexion angles, knee flexion angles and ankle dorsiflexion angles.Conclusion:Combining scalp acupuncture with intelligent feedback can significantly improve lower extremity functioning after a stroke. That should improve performance in the activities of daily living of stroke survivors.