Clinical Study on Acupuncture for Ambulation Disturbance in Subacute Stage of Cerebral Stroke / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture on walk ability and motor function of lower limbs in subacute stage of cerebral stroke.Method A hundred patients in subacute stage of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage and scored 4-24 according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by rehabilitation training, while the treatment group was additionally intervened by acupuncture. The neural deficit degree (NIHSS score), motor function of lower limbs [Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)], activities of daily life [Barthel Index(BI)], and ambulation ability [Functional Ambulation Category (FAC)] were evaluated before and after intervention.Result After 1 treatment course, the NIHSS score was significantly changed in the treatment group compared to that before intervention (P<0.05). The NIHSS scores after 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that before intervention and that after 1 treatment course in both groups (P<0.05). In both groups, the FMA score, BI, and FAC score after 1 treatment course and 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that before intervention (P<0.05). The FMA and FAC scores after 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that after 1 treatment course in both groups (P<0.05). After 2 treatment courses, there were significant differences in comparing the NIHSS score, FMA, BI, and FAC scores between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the ambulation ability, neural deficit, motor function of lower limbs, and activities of daily life of hemiplegia patients in subacute stage of cerebral stroke.