Effect of complex reinforcing-reducing manipulation on lower limb motion and balance disorder in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of complex reinforcing [Shao Shan Huo (Mountain-burning Fire)] and reducing [Tou Tian Liang (Heaven-penetrating Cooling)] manipulations on motion and balance of the lower limbs in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD). Methods:A total of 100 SCD cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group by their visit sequence, 50 cases in each group. On the basis of Western medical treatment, cases in the observation group were also treated with acupuncture therapy plus complex reinforcing-reducing manipulation; whereas cases in the control group were only treated with the same Western medical treatment as those in the observation group. Before and 2 months after treatment, kinematic parameters including muscle force, muscle tone and range of motion of the hip and knee joints were measured. In addition, balancing parameters including the path length of center of pressure (COP), peripheral area, COP path length per unit area and rectangular area were also measured before and after treatment. Results:After treatment, there were statistical intra-group differences in COP path length, peripheral area, COP path length per unit area, left-right offset, rectangular area, coefficient of stability and coefficient of weight distribution (P<0.01). There were statistical inter-group differences in muscle force, muscle tone and range of motion of hip and knee joints (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 83.3% in the observation group, versus 60.0% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion:Complex reinforcing-reducing manipulations can improve the lower limb motion and balance in SCD patients.