Clinical Observation of Acupuncture plus Kinesiotherapy for Spastic Diplegia / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus kinesiotherapy in treating spastic diplegia. Method Sixty-nine kids with cerebral palsy were randomized into two groups. Thirty-five cases in the treatment group were intervened by acupuncture plus kinesiotherapy, while 34 cases in the control group by kinesiotherapyalone. After 3-month treatment, the release of gastrocnemius muscle tension of lower limbs (modified Ashworth Scale and foot dorsiflexion angle), improvement of standing, walking and running function [D and E items of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)],and activities of daily living (ADL) were observed in the two groups.Result After treatment, the gastrocnemius muscle tension of both lower limbs declined in both groups, manifested by the increase of Ashworth score and extension of foot dorsiflexion, with statistical significances (P<0.05); the D and E item scores of GMFM increased significantly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05); after treatment, the ADL scores increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the increase of Ashworth score and extension of foot dorsiflexion in the treatment group were more significant than those in the control group (P<0.05); the D and E item scores of GMFM in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05); the ADL score in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus kinesiotherapy is effective in treating spastic diplegia.