Clinical study on acupuncture combined with low-frequency electric stimulation for scissor gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with low-frequency electric stimulation on scissor gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods:A total of 60 spastic cerebral palsy kids were allocated into two groups by random number table, 30 in each group. Cases in the control group were treated with physical exercise therapy, massage and hydrotherapy. Based on the therapies given to the control group, cases in the observation group were supplemented with acupuncture combined with low-frequency electric stimulation. Selected points included Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Jiexi (ST 41), Chengshan (BL 57), Naoqing [Extra, locates at 2 cun directly above Jiexi (ST 41)] and Genping (Extra, locates at the midpoint of the line connecting medial and lateral malleolus). The treatment was done once every other day and 10 d made up a treatment course. The low-frequency electric stimulation was applied to anterior tibia, 6 times a week and 20 times made up a treatment course. Cases were treated for a total of 3 courses and there was a 15-20 d interval between two courses. The low limb functions were assessed before and after treatment using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and composite spasticity scale (CSS). In addition, the ankle dorsiflexion angles were measured before and after treatment. Results:After treatment, the ankle dorsiflexion angles and CSS scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group, showing statistical significances (P<0.05); the effective rate in the observation group calculated by MAS and ankle dorsiflexion angle were both higher than that in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion:Rehabilitation training combined with acupuncture and low-frequency electric stimulation can achieve better effect than rehabilitation training alone in improving scissor gait in kids with spastic cerebral palsy.