Clinical Observations on Electroacupuncture at Huatuo Jiaji Points and Du Meridian Points for Spinal Cord Injury-induced Dysfunction / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo seek an effective protocol fortreating spinal cord injury-induced limb dysfunction by comparing the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points plus Du meridian points versus conventional electroacupuncture. MethodForty patients with spinal cord injury-induced limb dysfunction were allocated, using a random number table, to treatment and control groups, 20 cases each. Both groups were treated with ganglioside and routine rehabilitation therapy. In addition,the treatment group received electroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points and Du meridian points and the control group, conventional acupuncture. Lower limb function was assessed using ASIA Motor Score, Sensory Score and the MBI in the two groups of patients before treatment and after one and two courses. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated.ResultThere was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in lower limb dysfunction in both treatment and control groups (P<0.05). The improving effect was better in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01).ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points and Du meridian points has a definite therapeutic effect on spinal cord injury-induced limb dysfunction. It is superior to conventional electroacupuncture.