Needle acupuncture in chronic poststroke leg spasticity. The Effect of Ouhyul Herbal Acupuncture Point Injections on Shoulder Pain after Stroke [Comprehensive therapeutic protocol of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbs and rehabilitation training for treatment of cerebral infarction: a multi-center randomized controlled trial]. Sensory Stimulation Promotes Normalization of Postural Control After Stroke The influence of electro-acupuncture on neural plasticity in acute cerebral infarction Clinical study on treatment of senile vascular dementia by acupuncture. [Observation of clinical effect of acupuncture on vascular dementia and its influence on superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide]. Intradermal acupuncture on shen-men and nei-kuan acupoints improves insomnia in stroke patients by reducing the sympathetic nervous activity: a randomized clinical trial. [Clinical observation on head point-through-point electroacupuncture for treatment of poststroke depression]. [Observation on the efficacy of acupuncture at key acupoints combined with rehabilitation therapy for spasmodic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction]. Acupuncture and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized, Controlled Trial [Effect of scalp acupuncture combined with body acupuncture on limb function in subacute stroke patients]. Electroacupuncture may help motor recovery in chronic stroke survivors: a pilot study. [Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial]. [Effects of warming-reinforcing acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on the early motor function of hemiparalysis patients caused by ischemic brain stroke: a randomized and controlled study]. Does Acupuncture Have Additional Value to Standard Poststroke Motor Rehabilitation? Correlated change in upper limb function and motor cortex activation after verum and sham acupuncture in patients with chronic stroke. Rehabilitation of stroke patients using Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture: a pilot study. Changes in spasticity, widespread pressure pain sensitivity, and baropodometry after the application of dry needling in patients who have had a stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical observation on therapeutic effects of the point-penetrating method in acupuncture treatment of spastic hemiparalysis due to cerebrovascular disorders. [Rehabilitation evaluation on post-stroke abnormal movement pattern prevented and treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation]. [Post-stroke hand dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Zhongzhu (TE 3) and Waiguan (TE 5)]. Clinical effects of scalp electrical acupuncture in stroke: a sham-controlled randomized clinical trial. [Effect of electroacupuncture on apoptosis of hippocampus tissue in mice with vascular dementia]. [Impacts of acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and temple-three-needle therapy on P300 of patients with early vascular cognitive impairment]. [Effects of the improved acupoints and rehabilitation exercise on locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infarction]. [Clinical study on acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy for treatment of poststroke shoulder-hand syndrome]. An effectiveness study comparing acupuncture, physiotherapy, and their combination in poststroke rehabilitation: a multicentered, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Effects of electroacupuncture treatment on impaired cognition and quality of life in Taiwanese stroke patients. [Evaluation on efficacy of Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training for hemiplegia of stroke patients by Fugl-Meyer scale]. Prospective, randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and acupuncture on motor function and daily activities in patients with ischemic stroke. A randomized controlled trial on the treatment for acute partial ischemic stroke with acupuncture. Can sensory stimulation improve the functional outcome in stroke patients? [Clinical observation on effect of acupuncture on nervous functions of the patient after operation of. hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage]. [Effect of scalp acupuncture drawing method on motor function in hemiplegic patients following cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period]. [Impacts of yin-yang meridians acupuncture with respiratory reinforcing and reducing manipulation on lower limbs balance function in stroke patients]. [Post-stroke depression treated with acupuncture and moxibustion: an evaluation of therapeutic effect and safety]. [Post-stroke speech disorder treated with acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training: a randomized controlled trial]. [Effect on the motor function of stroke patients by combination of needling at Back-shu point and trunk exercise]. [Clinical study on the sequelae of cerebral vascular accident treated with temporal-point acupuncture]. CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy on motor function in the hemiplegic patient of cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period]. Acupuncture for upper-extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke: a randomized sham-controlled study. [Clinical study on acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygenation for improving balance function of cerebral infarction]. [Clinical observation on treatment of cerebral infarction-induced broca aphasia by Tiaoshen Fuyin acupuncture therapy combined with language training]. [Effect of "Jin three-needle therapy" on cognitive function and activity of daily living in patients of hemiplegia after stroke: a multi-central randomized controlled study]. [Clinical treatment of apoplectic aphemia with multi-needle puncture of scalp-points in combination with visual-listening-speech training]. [The changes of vasoactive intestinal peptide somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide in blood and CSF of acute cerebral infarction patients and the effect of acupuncture on them]. [Study on electroacupuncture improving the single-foot supporting phase rate of stroke patients]. A one year follow-up study on the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of stroke patients in the subacute stage: a randomized, controlled study
OBJECTIVE To determine whether needle acupuncture may be useful in the reduction of leg spasticity in a chronic state . DESIGN Single-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial . SETTING Neurologic outpatient department of a medical school in Germany . PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five patients ( 14 women ) suffering from chronic poststroke leg spasticity with pes equinovarus deformity ( Modified Ashworth Scale [ MAS ] score , > /=1 ) , aged 38 to 77 years ( mean + /- st and ard deviation , 58.5+/-10.4 y ) , were enrolled in the study . The mean time from stroke to inclusion in the study was approximately 5 years ( mean , 65.4+/-48.3 mo ; range , 7 - 180 mo ) . INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omly assigned to placebo treatment ( n=12 ) by using a specially design ed placebo needling procedure , or verum treatment ( n=13 ) . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES MAS score of the affected ankle , pain ( visual analog scale ) , and walking speed . RESULTS There was no demonstrated beneficial clinical effects from verum acupuncture . After 4 weeks of treatment , mean MAS score was 3.3+/-0.9 in the placebo group versus 3.3+/-1.1 in the verum group . The neurophysiologic measure of H-reflex indicated a significant increase of spinal motoneuron excitability after verum acupuncture ( H-response/M-response ratio : placebo,.39+/-.19 ; verum,.68+/-.41 ; P<.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS This effect might be explained by afferent input of A delta and C fibers to the spinal motoneuron . The results from our study indicate that needle acupuncture may not be helpful to patients with chronic poststroke spasticity . However , there was neurophysiologic evidence for specific acupuncture effects on a spinal ( segmental ) level involving nociceptive reflex mechanisms An effective and safe remedy for shoulder pain is needed as shoulder pain is a common complication of stroke and restricts recovery of patients . This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Ouhyul herbal acupuncture point injection ( O-API ) on shoulder pain in patients with stroke . Twenty-four participants with shoulder pain after stroke were recruited and r and omized to the O-API and control groups . Treatment was conducted for 2 weeks three times per week . We evaluated the effects of treatment with a numerical rating scale ( NRS ) , painless passive range of motion ( PROM ) of external shoulder rotation , and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment ( FMMA ) at baseline , each week , and 1 week after the final treatment . All measures were similar between the O-API and control groups at baseline . The O-API group showed significant improvement on the NRS compared with that in the control group after 2 weeks of treatment , and the treatment effect was maintained until the follow-up period . PROM decreased significantly in both groups , but the reduction was maintained only in the O-API group . No significant difference was observed on the FMMA between the two groups . O-API result ed in significant improvement in shoulder pain after stroke , and its effect was maintained after termination of treatment without any severe side effects OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effect of comprehensive therapeutic protocol of electroacupuncture combined with active-blood- and -dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training for cerebral infa rct ion . METHODS A multi-center r and omized controlled trial was done , three hundred and twenty cases were divided into four groups : electroacupuncture combined with active-blood and dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training group ( group A ) , electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group ( group B ) , herbs combined with rehabilitation training group ( group C ) and rehabilitation training group ( group D ) , 80 cases in each group . The following two groups of acupoints were used alternatively in electroacupuncture treatment : the first group including Vasomotor Area , Jianyu ( LI 15 ) , Biguan ( ST 31 ) , Hegu ( LI 4 ) and Taichong ( LR 3 ) ; the second group including Motor Area , Quchi ( LI 11 ) , Yanglingquan ( GB 34 ) and Shenshu ( BL 23 ) . 20 mL Xiangdan injection and 250 mL 5 % glucose injection or 250 mL 0.9 % sodium chloride injection were used by intravenous drip in herbs treatment once a day . The rehabilitation training was performed by the professional physical therapist . Each group was treated with corresponding treatment protocol . The therapeutic effect was evaluated by index of the mortality or disability rate 3 months after the onset of disease . The intention to treat analysis ( ITT ) was used in data . RESULTS The mortality or h and icap rate 3 months after the onset of disease of four groups were 17.5 % ( 14/80 ) in group A , 22.5 % ( 18/80 ) in group B , 40 . 0 % ( 32/80 ) in group C , and 31.3 % ( 25/80 ) in group D , respectively . The group A has a best therapeutic effect ( vs group C , group D , both P<0.05 ) , and there was no adverse event . CONCLUSION The combined application of electroacupuncture , active-blood and dissolve-stasis herbs and rehabilitation training is a better treatment for cerebral infa rct ion in clinic Background and Purpose In a r and omized study of hemiparetic stroke patients with a median age of 75 years , functional recovery was significantly better in those who received additional  sensory stimulation  ( n=38 ) , including electrostimulation , than in control patients ( n=40 ) given the same physiotherapy and occupational therapy ; group differences for balance , mobility , and activities of daily living were significant . The present study was design ed to investigate postural control in patients who survived more than 2 years after stroke onset . Methods The 48 survivors ( mean , 2.7 years ; range , 2.0 to 3.8 years ) , 22 from the treatment group and 26 from the control group , were compared with 23 age-matched healthy subjects . Subjects were perturbed by vibrators applied to calf muscles or with galvanic vestibular stimulation . We evaluated postural control in terms of sway variances or sway velocities and the dynamics of postural control as a feedback system using system identification with a model previously vali date d for human postural control . Results Significantly more patients of the treatment group than of the control group maintained stance during perturbations ( P<.01 ) . Among patients capable of maintaining stance during perturbation , the control patients were characterized by significant divergence from normal values in two of the three characteristic parameters of dynamic postural control ( ie , swiftness and stiffness ; P<.05 ) compared with the treatment subgroup or age-matched subjects . Conclusions The course of sensory stimulation enhanced recovery of postural function , an enhancement still significant 2 years after the lesion and treatment . The differences and near normalization of characteristic parameters of dynamic postural control among treated patients suggest that improved recovery after sensory stimulation may be achieved by patients regaining normal or near normal dynamics of human postural control Abstract Objective : To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture ( EA ) on dendritic spine and ephrin-A5 and to investigate the action of EA on neural plasticity after acute cerebral ischemic infa rct ion . Methods : Focal acute cerebral ischemia model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion ( MCAO ) with electrocoagulation contralateral method . Ninety male Sprague – Dawley rats were r and omly divided into sham operation ( SO ) group , MCAO group and EA treatment ( ET ) group . Golgi dying , double immunofluorescence method and RT-PCR were used to detect dendritic spine density , expression patterns of ephrin-A5 and the effect of EA on them at the end of the first , second and fourth week after ischemia . Results : The dendritic spine density in MCAO group significantly decreased after ischemia ( p<0.01 ) . The dendritic spine density was raised in ET group in the corresponding time period ( p<0.01 ) and among the ET groups . It was higher at the end of the fourth week than before ( p<0.05 ) . The signal of ephrin-A5 was detected mainly in neuron cytoplasm , and the mRNA expression in MCAO group and ET group increased compared to that in SO group ( p<0.01 ) . The mRNA expression in ET group at the first week was much higher than that in MCAO group ( p<0.01 ) . In ET groups , the mRNA expression of ephrin-A5 was down-regulated along with the time going ( p<0.01 ) . Conclusion : It is possibly the regulation of the ephrin-A5 expression by which EA treatment improves the neural plasticity at the peri-infa rct cerebral cortex in acute cerebral ischemia rat . There may be a time window in EA treatment for acute cerebral ischemia 63 patients with senile vascular dementia were r and omly divided into the treatment group ( treated by acupuncture ) and the control group ( treated with piracetam ) . The authors observed the changes in the score of Hasegawa 's dementia scale ( HDS ) , p300 , rheoencephalogram , topographic EEG , superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) activity in erythrocytes , and lipid peroxide ( LPO ) level in plasma before and after treatment . The statistical data showed that the total effective rate in the treatment group ( 80.6 % ) was significantly higher than that in the control group ( 25 % ) , and the differences in the observed indexes before and after treatment were significant ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 ) in the treatment group but not in the control group ( P > 0.05 ) , indicating that the acupuncture treatment was superior in immediate therapeutic effect on senile vascular dementia to drug treatment OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture and acupuncture on vascular dementia ( VaD ) and the influence on superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , lipid peroxide ( LPO ) and nitric oxide ( NO ) levels . METHODS Forty-six cases of VaD were r and omly divided into two groups , the electroacupuncture group ( EA group ) and the acupuncture group ( AP group ) . Assessment of Hasgawa 's dementia scale ( HDS ) , functional activities question naire ( FAQ ) and neurologic deficit scoring were done before and after treatment , and the changes on SOD , LPO and NO levels were observed . RESULTS After treatment , in the EA group , the HDS elevated , the FAQ lowered , SOD increased and LPO and NO decreased significantly , as compared with before treatment , P < 0.01 . But these parameters were not changed significantly in the AP group after treatment . The clinical symptoms were improved in both groups , but the reduction on neurologic deficit score was not significant . The total effective rate of the EA group was higher than that of the AP group . CONCLUSION The immediate effect of electroacupuncture was superior to that of acupuncture , suggesting that the electroacupuncture was more effective in promoting the intelligence recovery than acupuncture This study is a double-blind r and omized controlled trial on the effect of intradermal acupuncture on insomnia after stroke . Hospitalized stroke patients with insomnia were enrolled in the study and were r and omly assigned to either a real intradermal acupuncture group ( RA group ) or a sham acupuncture group ( SA group ) . The RA group received intradermal acupuncture on Shen-Men ( He-7 ) and Nei-Kuan ( EH-6 ) for three days , and the SA group received sham acupuncture on the same points . The effect of acupuncture on insomnia was measured using Insomnia Severity Index ( ISI ) and Athens Insomnia Scale ( AIS ) at baseline and three days after treatment . To assess the effect of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous function , the subjects ' blood pressure and heart rate variability were monitored . Fifty-two subjects ( 27 in the RA group and 25 in the SA group ) were included in the final analysis . The insomnia-related scales ISI and AIS showed greater improvement of insomnia in the RA group than in the SA group . Moreover , there is a greater reduction of the number of non-dippers and a greater decrease of the LF/HF ratio ( heart rate variability ) in the RA group than in the SA group . These results indicate that sympathetic hyperactivities were stabilized in the RA group . It can thus be concluded that intradermal acupuncture on Shen-Men and Nei-Kuan is a useful therapeutic method for post stroke-onset insomnia as it reduces sympathetic hyperactivities OBJECTIVE To observe clinical therapeutic effect of head point-through-point electroacupuncture ( EA ) on poststroke depression ( PSD ) and to study the mechanism . METHODS One hundred and eight cases of PSD were r and omly divided into a point-through-point EA group ( n = 38 ) , a non point-through-point group ( n = 36 ) and a western medicine group ( n = 34 ) . After treatment of 28 days , their therapeutic effects , scores of HAMD depression scale and SDS self-rating scale , and plasma 5-HT contents were compared before and after treatment among the 3 groups . RESULTS The effective rate of 86.84 % in the point-through-point EA group was better than 63.89 % in the non point-through-point group and 67.65 % in the western medicine group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 ) . Plasma 5-HT content in the point-through-point EA group increased significantly , with a very significant difference as compared with that of the non point-through-point group ( P < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSION Head point-through-point therapy can obviously increase plasma 5-HT content of the patient with PSD , so as to cure poststroke depression , with a better therapeutic effect than other two groups OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at key acupoints combined with the routine rehabilitation training of limb function on spasmodic hemiplegia after cerebral infa rct ion . METHODS Eighty-six cases were r and omized into an acupuncture combined with rehabilitation group ( group A , 44 cases ) and a rehabilitation group ( group B , 42 cases ) . In group A , the key acupoints were selected from head , face , chest , abdomen , shoulder , back , h and s , feet and ankles such as Cuanzhu ( BL 2 ) , Danzhong ( CV 17 ) , Jianyu ( LI 15 ) and Yanglao ( SI 16 ) were stimulated with acupuncture . In combination , the routine limb rehabilitation training was applied , once every day . In group B , the routine limb rehabilitation training was applied alone . In both groups , 10 treatments made one session and 2 sessions were required totally . Before and after treatment , Fugl-Meyer scale and functional independent measurement ( FIM ) scale were adopted to assess the limb motor level and the activity of daily life in the patients respectively . The modified Ashworth scale was used to assess the effect of anti-spasm . RESULTS The total effective rate of anti-spasm was 90.9 % ( 40/44 ) in the group A , which was superior to 73.8 % ( 32/42 ) in the group B ( P < 0.05 ) . After 2 sessions of treatment , Fugl-Meyer score and FIM score were all improved in both groups ( all P < 0.05 ) and the results in the group A were better than those in the group B ( all P < 0.05 ) . Additionally , the improvement of FIM score after the 1st session of treatment in the group A was better as compared with the group B , indicating the significant difference ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture at key acupoints combined with rehabilitation therapy effectively relieves the spasmodic condition of the patients with post-stroke spasmodic hemiplegia , improves the limb function and the life activity of the patients Background and Purpose — In small trials with control groups that receive no intervention , acupuncture has been reported to improve functional outcome after stroke . We studied effects of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on functional outcome and quality of life after stroke versus a control group that received subliminal electrostimulation . Methods — In a multicenter r and omized controlled trial involving 7 university and district hospitals in Sweden , 150 patients with moderate or severe functional impairment were included . At days 5 to 10 after acute stroke , patients were r and omized to 1 of 3 intervention groups : ( a ) acupuncture , including electroacupuncture ; ( b ) sensory stimulation with high-intensity , low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation that induces muscle contractions ; and ( c ) low-intensity ( subliminal ) high-frequency electrostimulation ( control group ) . A total of 20 treatment sessions were performed over a 10-week period . Outcome variables included motor function , activities of daily living function , walking ability , social activities , and life satisfaction at 3-month and 1-year follow-up . Results — At baseline , patients in each group were closely similar in all important prognostic variables . At 3-month and 1-year follow-ups , no clinical ly important or statistically significant differences were observed between groups for any of the outcome variables . The 3 treatment modalities were all conducted without major adverse effects . Conclusions — When compared with a control group that received subliminal electrostimulation , treatment during the subacute phase of stroke with acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with muscle contractions had no beneficial effects on functional outcome or life satisfaction OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of scalp- and body-acupoints on limb function in subacute stroke patients . METHODS A total of 110 stroke in patients were r and omly and equally divided into acupuncture group and control group . Patients of the acupuncture group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of scalp acupoint Dingnie Qianxiexian ( MS 6 ) and body acupoints Neiguan ( PC 6 ) , Jianyu ( LI 15 ) , Sanyinjiao ( SP 6 ) , etc . once daily for 20 days and routine neurological therapies , including drugs for controlling blood pressure , blood sugar , water-electrolyte balance , anticoagulation , encephaledema reduction , intracranial pressure reduction , anti-inflammation , neurofunction protection , etc . The stroke patients of the control group were treated with the routine neurological therapies only . The Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA ) , US National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ( NIHSS ) were used to assess the patients ' limb function and nerve functional lesion severity before and after the treatment , and the ratio of mortality/disability and recurrence rate were used to assess the efficacy of acupuncture at the end of 3 and 6 months ' follow-up . RESULTS After the treatment , the FMA scores were increased significantly and NIHSS scores decreased considerably in both groups ( P < 0.01 ) , and the effects of acupuncture group were obviously superior to those of the control group ( P < 0.05 ) . There were no significant differences between two groups in the ratios of mortality/disability and recurrence rates at the end of 3 and 6 months ' follow-up ( P > 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Scalp acupuncture combined with body acupuncture can evidently improve limb movement function and reduce the nerve function damage in stroke patients Past studies have suggested that acupuncture may reduce spasticity in stroke survivors . We do not know , however , whether acupuncture may enhance the effect of  strength training on motor function . This study compared upper-limb motor functional improvement in chronic stroke survivors who received a combination of  acupuncture and strength training with that of subjects who received strength training alone .  A total of 10 chronic stroke patients with moderate or severe wrist muscle spasticity were recruited for this study . The study used a crossover design with a r and om order of either combined electroacupuncture and strength training or strength training alone . Each subject received one of the two types of treatment twice a week for the first 6 weeks and switched to the other for another 6 weeks . Quantitative measurements of wrist spasticity , active wrist extension range of motion , isometric wrist strength , and clinical evaluation with Fugl-Meyer ( FM ) upper-limb motor scores were conducted before and after either treatment . After the combined treatment , the quantitative spasticity level , active wrist extension range of motion ( increased by a mean of 16.3 degrees ) , and FM upper-limb motor score ( increased by a mean of 4.9 points ) changed significantly ( p < 0.01 ) but no significant changes were noted in isometric wrist strength . The strength training alone result ed in no significant changes to any measured variable . The results of the current study indicate that the combined acupuncture and strength training treatment reduced muscle spasticity and may have improved motor function for chronic stroke survivors with moderate or severe muscle spasticity OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-h and syndrome ( SHS ) treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation and the impacts on patients ' nailfold microcirculation . METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were r and omized into an acupuncture rehabilitation group and a simple rehabilitation group , 60 cases in each one . In the simple rehabilitation group , OT ( comprehensive rehabilitation therapy ) training was adopted . In the acupuncture rehabilitation group , on the basis of the treatment as the simple rehabilitation , acu puncture was added at Taiyuan ( LU 9 ) , Zusanli ( ST 36 ) , Xuanzhong ( GB 39 ) , Waiguan ( TE 5 ) , Shousanli ( LI 10 ) , Quchi ( LI 11 ) and Jianyu ( LI 15 ) . Acupuncture was given once a day , 7 days made one session . Totally , 4 sessions of treatment were required . Fugl-Meyer score , upper limb pain score , the score of nerve function defect and the items of nailfold microcirculation of patients were assessed in the the two groups before and after treatment . The efficacy was compared between the two groups . RESULTS ( 1 ) The upper limb pain , the systematic motor function of the upper limbs , the nerve function defect , nailfold microcirculation and clinical symptoms were all improved after treatment in either the acupuncture rehabilitation group or the simple rehabilitation group as compared with those before treatment , indicating the significant difference ( P<0 . 05 , P<0 . 01 ) . ( 2 ) The i m provements in the upper limb pain ( 0 . 90+/-0.71 vs 1 . 80+/-0 . 66 ) , the systematic motor function of the upper limbs ( 42 . 43 13 . 57 vs 29 . 98+/-15 . 11 ) , the nerve function defect ( 8 . 60+/-11 . 61 vs 13 . 0+/-1 . 74 ) , nailfold microcirculation ( total score 3 . 18+/-1.32 vs 4.34+/-1.23 ) and clinical symptoms in the acupuncture rehabilitation group after treatment were different significantly as compared with those in the simple rehabilitation group ( PO0 . 05,P-O. 01 ) , and the results in the acupuncture rehabilitation group were superior to the simple rehabilitation group . ( 3 ) In the acupuncture rehabilitation group , the markedly effective rate was 50 . 0 % ( 30/60 ) and the total effective rate was 93.3 % ( 56/60 ) , which was better than 16.7 % ( 10/60 ) and 63 . 3 % ( 38/60 ) respectively in the simple rehabilitation group ( all P<0 . 05 ) . CONCLUSION Both the combined therapy of acupuncture and rehabilitation and the simple rehabilitation training are effective in the treatment of post-stroke SHS , and promote the status of nailfold microcirculation , the efficacy of the combined therapy is better than that of the latter OBJECTIVE To verify the improvement function of warming-reinforcing acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on the early motor function of hemiparalysis patients caused by ischemic brain stroke . METHODS Eighty cases were r and omly divided into a warming-reinforcing acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group ( group A ) and a rehabilitation training group ( group B ) , 40 cases in each group . Both groups were treated with internal routine treatment . The Motor Relearning Program rehabilitation was used in group B , while warming-reinforcing acupuncture combined with Motor Relearning Program rehabilitation were used in group A. Jianyu ( LI 15 ) , Quchi ( LI 11 ) , Hegu ( LI 4 ) , Yanglingquan ( GB 34 ) , Yinlingquan ( SP 9 ) , Zusanli ( ST 36 ) , Sanyinjiao ( SP 6 ) were selected , and warming-reinforcing method was used in these points , they were treated for 3 weeks . The neurological functional deficits scores of hemiparalysis patients , Fugl-Meyer Score , Motor Function Assessment Score ( MAS ) , Barthel Index and Mini-mental State Examination ( MMSE ) were used to evaluate the condition of hemiparalysis patients before and after treatment . RESULTS The effective rate of group A ( 87.5 % , 35/40 ) superior to that of group B ( 67.5 % , 27/40 ) ( P < 0.05 ) . The neurological functional deficit scores , Fugl-Meyer score , MAS and Barthel Index of both groups were improved after treatment ( P < 0.01 , P < 0.05 ) , and the improved degree of group A was better than that of group B ( P < 0.01 , P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION There is obvious improvement function of warming-reinforcing acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on the early motor function  of hemiparalysis patients caused by ischemic brain stroke , and the function is better than that of simple rehabilitation training Background and Purpose — A significant number of patients remain severely disabled after stroke despite rehabilitation with st and ard treatment modalities . Acupuncture has been reported as an alternative modality . This study aims to examine whether acupuncture has additional value to st and ard poststroke motor rehabilitation . Methods — A prospect i ve r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) was carried out in a stroke rehabilitation unit in Hong Kong . One hundred six Chinese patients with moderate or severe functional impairment were included at days 3 to 15 after acute stroke . They were stratified into the moderate and the severe groups before r and omization into the control arm receiving st and ard modalities of treatment , which included physiotherapy , occupational and speech therapy , and skilled medical and nursing care , and the intervention arm receiving in addition traditional Chinese manual acupuncture . A mean of 35 acupuncture sessions on 10 main acupoints were performed over a 10-week period . Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer assessment , Barthel Index , and Functional Independence Measure , respectively , at weeks 0 , 5 , and 10 , performed by blinded assessors . Results — At baseline , patients in each arm were comparable in all important prognostic characteristics . No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 arms for any of the outcome measures at week 10 or outcome changes over time . Conclusions — Traditional Chinese manual acupuncture on the body has no additional value to st and ard poststroke motor rehabilitation BACKGROUND Acupuncture may improve motor function in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke , yet the neural mechanisms underlying such an effect are unknown . As part of a sham-controlled , r and omized clinical trial testing the efficacy of a 10-week acupuncture protocol in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke , we examined the relationship between changes in function of the affected upper limb and brain activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging ( fMRI ) . METHODS Seven ( 7 ) chronic hemiparetic stroke patients underwent fMRI and testing of function of the affected upper limb ( spasticity and range-of-motion ) before and after a 10-week period of verum ( N=4 ) or sham ( N=3 ) acupuncture . The correlation between changes in function of the affected upper limb and brain activation after treatment was tested across patients . RESULTS We found a significant positive correlation between changes in function of the affected upper limb ( spasticity and range of motion ) and activation in a region of the ipsilesional motor cortex . Patients treated with verum acupuncture showed a trend toward a greater maximum activation change in this motor cortical area as compared to those treated with sham acupuncture . CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture may improve function of the affected upper limb in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients by increasing activity in the ipsilesional motor cortex OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate whether acupuncture , especially Yamamoto 's New Scalp Acupuncture ( YNSA ) , is of value in additional to st and ard poststroke motor rehabilitation . DESIGN A prospect i ve , assessor-blinded r and omized control trial was carried out in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit with day hospital service . After inclusion , patients were stratified into control group and acupuncture group , r and omly . OUTCOME MEASURES The Barthel Index , the Rivermead Scale Index , and the Visual Analogue Scale were used to follow the efficacy of treatment . RESULTS In the acupuncture group , all the sensory , motor , and functional scores improved significantly during the examination period until 2 years after injury . The Barthel Index is increased from 4±2 to 95±4 in the acupuncture group . This index also increased in the control group ( from 4±2 to 75±4 ) , but the changes were significantly less than in the acupuncture group . A significant spontaneous recovery during the 2-year follow-up was found , but the YNSA treatment facilitated the functional recovery . Improved moving function and more flexible joints and ligaments were observed in comparison to the patients ' condition prior to treatment . CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that the YNSA is a useful method to treat  stroke patients and enhance their quality of life OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep dry needling ( DDN ) on spasticity , pressure sensitivity , and plantar pressure in patients who have had stroke . METHODS A r and omized controlled trial was conducted . Thirty-four patients who previously had a stroke were r and omly assigned either an experimental group that received a single session of DDN over the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles on the spastic leg or a control group that received no intervention . Spasticity ( evaluated with the Ashworth Scale ) ; pressure pain thresholds over the deltoid muscle , second metacarpal , and tibialis anterior muscle ; and plantar pressure ( baropodometry ) were collected by a blinded assessor before and 10 minutes after intervention . RESULTS A greater number of individuals receiving DDN exhibited decreased spasticity after the intervention ( P < .001 ) . The analysis of covariance showed that pressure pain thresholds increased bilaterally in patients receiving DDN compared with those who did not receive the intervention ( P < .001 ) . The analysis of covariance also found that patients receiving DDN experienced bilateral increases of support surface in the forefoot , unilateral increase of the support surface in the rear foot of the treated ( affected ) side , and bilateral decreases in mean pressure ( all , P < .02 ) as compared with those who did not receive DDN . CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a single session of DDN decreases spasticity and widespread pressure sensitivity in individuals with poststroke spasticity . Deep dry needling also induced changes in plantar pressure by increasing the support surface and decreasing the mean pressure OBJECTIVE To observe the therapeutic effects of different acupuncture methods for spastic hemiparalysis due to cerebrovascular disorders . METHODS 90 cases of spastic hemiparalysis after wind-stroke were r and omly divided into a control group of 30 cases , a body acupuncture group of 30 cases and a point-penetrating acupuncture group of 30 cases . All the patients were given 4 courses of treatment , with 7 sessions constituting one therapeutic course and with a one-day interval between courses . The evaluations were made 3 times , i.e. once before treatment and once every 15 days during the treatment . RESULTS The therapeutic effects in the point-penetrating acupuncture group were obviously superior to those of both the control group and the body acupuncture group . CONCLUSION The point-penetrating acupuncture is an effective therapy for treating spastic hemiparalysis due to cerebrovascular disorders OBJECTIVE To explore the impacts of acupuncture and rehabilitation on post-stroke abnormal patterns of limb movement and evaluate them via rehabilitation method . METHODS Ninety cases of post-stroke movement disorder were r and omly divided into an acupuncture-rehabilitation group , a body acupuncture group and a medication group , 30 cases in each group . In medication group , the conventional medication in neurological department was administered . In acupuncture-rehabilitation group and body acupuncture group , on the basis of the therapy as medication group , scalp acupuncture ( such as parietal area and anterior parietal area , etc . ) , rehabilitation training and traditional body acupuncture [ such as Jianyu ( LI 15 ) and Fengshi ( GB 31),etc . ] were supplemented . The continuous electric stimulation was applied in body acupuncture group . The treatment lasted for 8 weeks . The assessment of clinical efficacy , Fugl-Meyer score , Modified Ashworth scale ( MAS ) , range of motion ( ROM ) and shoulder pain score were taken as observation indices for rehabilitation evaluation before and after treatment in each group . RESULTS The effective rate was 93.1 % ( 27/29 ) in acupuncture-rehabilitation group , which was superior to 66.7 % ( 20/30 ) in body acupuncture group and 57.1 % ( 16/28 ) in control group ( both P<0.01 ) separately . After treatment , Fugl-Meyer score , MAS , ROM of the lower limbs and shoulder joint and shoulder pain score ( except medication group ) were all remarkably improved as compared with those before treatment in each group ( all P<0.01 ) . The improvements in Fugl-Meyer score , MAS , ROM of the upper limbs and shoulder pain score in acupuncture-rehabilitation group were significantly superior to those in body acupuncture group and medication group ( P<0.05 , P<0.01 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy and traditional body acupuncture remarkably improve in post-stroke movement disorder . But acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy is apparently superior to traditional body acupuncture . This therapy can effectively prevent and treat post-stroke abnormal patterns and it is greatly significant in the improvement of survival quality for the patients OBJECTIVE To observe the curative effects of post-stroke h and dysfunction treated with acupuncture at Zhongzhu ( TE 3 ) and Waiguan ( TE 5 ) . METHODS Sixty cases of post-stroke h and dysfunction were r and omly divided into an observation group ( 30 cases ) and a control group ( 30 cases ) . Routine medicine , physical therapy , occupational therapy and other rehabilitation trainings were applied in both groups ; Zhongzhu ( TE 3 ) and Waiguan ( TE 5 ) were punctured in observation group . Scores of nervous functions deficit by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ( NIHSS ) , h and function , walking ability , activities of daily living ( ADL ) by Modified Barthel Index Scale were e valuated in both groups before and after treatment . RESULTS After treatment , the scores of h and function , walking ability , ADL and NIHSS were improved in both groups ( all P < 0.01 ) , and the h and function , walking ability and ADL in observation group were superior to those in control group ( all P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Routine medicine and rehabilitation trainings combined with acupuncture at Zhongzhu ( TE 3 ) and Waiguan ( TE 5 ) to treat post-stroke h and dysfunction can obviously improve the h and dysfunction after stroke , enhance the abilities of walking and daily living , and increase the curative effect OBJECTIVES The majority of individuals who survive a stroke are disabled because of persisting neurological impairments . The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous electrical stimulation of the scalp in spontaneous functional recovery of patients with chronic ischemic stroke , by evaluating clinical , neurological , and functional findings . SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sixty-two ( 62 ) subjects who were at least 18 months postdiagnosis of ischemic stroke were r and omized to receive 10 sessions of placebo or active low-frequency electrical stimulation ( 2/100 Hz ) using subcutaneous acupuncture needles over the scalp . Functional and neurological evaluations were indexed by the Barthel , Rankin , and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ( NIHSS ) . RESULTS Results show that there was a significant difference in functional improvement between the sham and active group as indexed by NIHSS scale . The active group had a larger functional improvement after 10 sessions of scalp electrical acupuncture . The other two functional scales ( Rankin and Barthel ) failed to show significant differences between the two treatment groups . CONCLUSIONS These results support further testing of scalp electrical acupuncture for the treatment of stroke as well further mechanistic studies to underst and mechanisms associated with the observed improvement . Further studies need to consider longer follow-up assessment s to investigate potential functional changes associated with electrical acupuncture OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture ( EA ) on hippocampal apoptosis and learning-memory ability in vascular dementia ( VD ) mice so as to investigate its underlying mechanism in the treatment of VD patients . METHODS Kunming mice were r and omly divided into sham-operation ( sham , n = 13 ) , model ( n = 15 ) , EA ( n = 16 ) and Nimodipine ( intragastric gavage , 30 mg/kg for 15 days , n = 15 ) groups . VD model was duplicated by occlusion of bilateral carotid arteries and reperfusion . EA ( 2 - 80 Hz , 2 mA ) was applied to " Dazhui " ( GV 14 ) , " Baihui " ( GV 20 ) , " Geshu " ( BL 17 ) and " Zusanli " ( ST 36 ) for 10 min , once daily for 15 days . Step-down and step-up tests were performed to assess the animal 's memory and learning abilities separately ; and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end-labeling ( TUNEL ) method was used to display the apoptotic cells of the hippocampus tissue . RESULTS In comparison with sham group , the animals ' reaction time upon electric shock stimulation , both step-up and step-down error times , and hippocampal apoptosis number in model , EA and Nimodipine groups increased significantly ( P<0.01 ) , while the reaction latency upon electric shock of model , EA and Nimodipine groups decreased significantly ( P<0.01 ) . Compared with model group , the reaction time , both step-up and step-down error times and hippocampal apoptosis number of both EA and Nimodipine groups decreased significantly ( P<0.05 , P<0.01 ) ; while the reaction latency of EA and Nimodipine groups increased considerably ( P<0.01 ) . Comparison between EA and Nimodipine groups showed that the reaction latency of EA group was obviously longer than that of the later group ( P<0.01 ) , and the step-down error times of EA group was markedly lower than that of Nimodipine group ( P<0.05 ) . No significant differences were found between these two groups in other indexes ( P>0.05 ) . CONCLUSION EA can ameliorate VD mice 's learning-memory ability  , which may be closely related to its effect in reducing hippocampal apoptosis OBJECTIVE To observe the efficacy on post-stroke mild cognitive impairment ( MCI ) treated with acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and temple-three-needle therapy . METHODS Seventy-three of stroke patients were r and omized into an acupuncture group ( 37 cases ) and a conventional treatment group ( 36 cases ) . Twenty healthy aged people in physical examination were collected as a control group . In the acupuncture group , on the basis of the conventional treatment of internal medication , the acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and temple-three-needle therapy were applied . In the conventional treatment group , no any therapy was used except the conventional treatment of internal medication . In the control group , no any intervention was adopted . Neuroscan Nuamps electroencephalogram recording analysis system  was used to determine the event-related potentials P300 , and the amplitude and mini mental state examination ( MMSE ) score was observed before and after treatment in both groups . RESULTS After treatment , in the acupuncture group , P300 latent stage was shortened , and the amplitude and the score of MMSE were increased ( P < 0.05 , P < 0.01 ) . In the conventional treatment group , above indices were not changed obviously as compared with that before treatment ( all P > 0.05 ) . Compared with the conventional treatment group , the differences in P300 latent stage , amplitude and MMSE score were remarkable in the acupuncture group ( P < 0.05 , P < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSION The acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and temple-three-needle therapy improves the cognitive function of the patients with MCI OBJECTIVE To search for an effective method for improving locomotor ability of upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infa rct ion . METHODS Five hundred and seventy-eight cases of stroke were r and omly divided into 4 groups : an improved acupoints and rehabilitation exercise group ( group A , n = 148 ) , a rehabilitation exercise group ( group B , n = 142 ) , a routine acupoints and rehabilitation exercise group ( group C , n = 144 ) , and a medication group ( group D , n = 144 ) . The locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life were evaluated respectively by Fugl-Meyer ( FMA ) and Barthel ( BMI ) . RESULTS There were significant differences in FMA and BMI scores in all the groups after treatment as compared with those before treatment ( P < 0.05 ) ; after treatment , the effect in the group A was significantly superior to those in group B and C ( P < 0.05 ) , with no significant difference between the group C and the group B. CONCLUSION The improved acupoints combined with rehabilitation exercise can improve locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infa rct ion OBJECTIVE To observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy on poststroke shoulder-h and syndrome . METHODS One hundred and twenty cases of poststroke shoulder-h and syndrome were r and omly divided into an acupuncture-rehabilitation group , an acupuncture group and a rehabilitation group , 40 cases in each group . The acupuncture-rehabilitation group were treated with acupuncture at Jianyu ( LI 15 ) , Jianqian , Jianliao ( TE 14 ) , etc . in combination with motor therapy ( rehabilitation training ) , the acupuncture group with simple acupuncture therapy , and the rehabilitation group with simple motor therapy .  Upper extremity motor function , pain , joint activity were used for assessment of therapeutic effects . RESULTS The total effective rate of 87.5 % in the acupuncture-rehabilitation group was significantly better than 67.5 % in the acupuncture group and 65.0 % in the rehabilitation group ( P<0.01 ) ; acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy could significantly improve upper limb motor function , pain and joint activity with very significant differences as compared with the acupuncture group and the rehabilitation group ( P<0.01 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy has a high cured rate and an obvious therapeutic effect on poststroke shoulder-h and syndrome CONTEXT Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide , being the third leading cause of death in the United States and the second and third most common causes of death in Chinese cities and rural areas , respectively . Evaluation of different rehabilitative modalities appears necessary to optimize treatment . OBJECTIVES To compare acupuncture and physiotherapy for effectiveness and reliability in treating hemiplegic patients after stroke . DESIGN The research team design ed a multicentered , three-arm , r and omized controlled trial . Power calculations revealed a targeted sample size of 310 participants . SETTING The study took place at seven in-patient hospitals in China . PARTICIPANTS The research team screened a total of 310 patients . Of that number , 274 completed the study , 15 did not meet the inclusion /exclusion criteria , and 21 dropped out . Adverse events were rare ( less than 1 % ) , mild , and temporary . INTERVENTION The research team r and omly divided participants into three groups that all received conventional care as needed-including psychological counseling , st and ard nursing care , and daily medical evaluation plus ( 1 ) acupuncture , ( 2 ) physiotherapy , or ( 3 ) acupuncture plus physiotherapy . The participants received treatments once a day , 6 days a week for 4 weeks . OUTCOME MEASURES The research team evaluated all patients at baseline , after 2 weeks , and after 4 weeks using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Physical Performance ( FMA ) , a modified Barthel Index ( BI ) , and the Neurologic Defect Scale ( NDS ) . RESULTS No significant differences existed between the three groups at baseline . Compared to baseline , participants in all groups improved their FMA , BI , and NDS scores by the end of week 2 ( P≤.05 ) and further improved by the end of week 4 ( P≤.05 ) The study found no statistically significant differences in outcomes between the three groups after treatment ( P>.05 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture plus conventional care was similar in effectiveness to physiotherapy treatment plus conventional care for poststroke rehabilitation . The study found no synergistic effects for the combination of acupuncture and physiotherapy in addition to conventional care ; that combination of treatments was no more effective than either treatment by itself . The effectiveness and lack of adverse events associated with acupuncture in this study suggest that it may represent an additional treatment option for stroke patients OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on cognitive function and health-related quality of life in patients who have had a stroke . DESIGN This clinical trial employed a prospect i ve , r and omized , single-blind design . SETTING S/LOCATION The study was conducted at the department of rehabilitation medicine , Tri-Service General Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan . SUBJECTS Thirty-eight ( 38 ) participants were recruited , but only 33 completed the study . Seventeen ( 17 ) stroke participants with cognitive impairment were assigned to the treatment group and 16 were assigned to the control group . INTERVENTIONS Electroacupuncture was applied to acupuncture points PC6 and HT7 for 20 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks in the treatment group , while participants in each group continued rehabilitation . OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive assessment ( LOTCA-G ) and quality -of-life assessment ( SF-36 and SS-QOL ) were carried out in each group at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment . RESULTS Significant improvement was detected in four subtests of LOTCA-G : orientation , perception , praxis , and attention ( p<0.05 ) between treatment and control groups . Significant improvement was also indicated in subscales of SF-36 ( RP , VT , SF , RE , MH , MCS ) and SS-QOL ( language ) ( p<0.05 ) . No correlation was noted between the variables of LOTCA-G and SF-36/SS-QOL except four matches : Memory ( LOTCA-G ) and Mental Component Summary ( SF-36 ) : r=0.492 ; Memory ( LOTCA-G ) and Personality ( SS-QOL ) : r=0.485 ; Praxis ( LOTCA-G ) and Language ( SS-QOL ) : r=0.616 ; Orientation ( LOTCA-G ) , and Language ( SS-QOL ) : r=0.534 . CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confirm a positive effect of electroacupuncture on cognition and quality of life in patients who had a stroke . Future research will be required to evaluate potential mechanisms and potential long-term benefits OBJECTIVE To assess the therapeutic effect of Jin 's " Sanzhen " therapy combined with rehabilitation training on limb-motor function of stroke patients by using Fugl-Meyer scale . METHODS A total of 254 hemiplegic stroke out patients and in patients from 7 hospitals were r and omly divided into Jin 's " Sanzhen " ( JSZ ) group ( n = 83 ) , rehabilitation group ( n = 84 ) and combination group ( n = 87 ) . Acupuncture was applied to acupoints of Jin 's " Sanzhen " including Quchi ( LI 11 ) , Waiguan ( SJ 5 ) and Hegu ( LI 4 ) ; Futu ( ST 32 ) . Zusanli ( ST 36 ) and Sanyinjiao ( SP 6 ) ; etc . The acupuncture needles were retained for 30 min after " Deqi " . Rehabilitation training included passive joint movement , st and ing-sitting training , tapping-pressing stimulation , walking training , etc . The treatment was conducted once daily , 5 sessions a week and for 4 weeks . Fugl-Meyer scale composed of 100-point motor domain of the upper- and lower-extremity sections was used to assess the patients ' motor function . RESULTS On day 28 after the treatment , of the 83.84 and 87 hemiplegic stroke patients in the JSZ , rehabilitation and combination groups , 48 ( 57.8 % ) , 31 ( 36.9 % ) and 50 ( 57.5 % ) experienced marked improvement in their clinical symptoms and signs , 26 ( 31.3 % ) , 44 ( 52.4 % ) and 31(35.6 % ) had an improvement , and 9 ( 10.8 % ) , 9 ( 10.7 % ) and 6 ( 6.9 % ) failed in the treatment , with the total effective rates being 89.2 % , 89.3 % and 93.1 % , respectively . The neurological deficit score ( NDS ) of the combination group was significantly lower than that of the rehabilitation group ( P < 0.05 ) . The Fugl-Meyer assessment score ( FMAS ) for extremity motor function of the combination group was apparently higher than those of the JSZ and rehabilitation groups ( P < 0.05 ) . No significant differences were found between the JSZ and rehabilitation groups in both NDS and FMAS ( P > 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Jin 's " Sanzhen " therapy combined with rehabilitation training can significantly improve the limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients , and has a good synergistic effect OBJECTIVE To assess the value of acupuncture for promoting the recovery of patients with ischemic stroke and to determine whether the outcomes of combined physiotherapy and acupuncture are superior to those with physiotherapy alone . DESIGN Prospect i ve r and omized controlled trial . SETTING Department of Rehabilitation Medicine , Huashan Hospital , Fudan University , P. R. China . PARTICIPANTS 120 in patients and out patients ( 84 men and 36 women ) . INTERVENTIONS Acupuncture , physiotherapy , and physiotherapy combined with acupuncture . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Motor function in the limbs was measured with the Fugl-Meyer assessment ( FMA ) . The modified Barthel index ( MBI ) was used to rate activities of daily living . All evaluations were performed by assessors blinded to treatment group . RESULTS On the first day of therapy ( day 0 , baseline ) , FMA and MBI scores did not significantly differ among the treatment groups . Compared with baseline , on the 28th day of therapy the mean FMA scores of the physiotherapy , acupuncture , and combined treatment groups had increased by 65.6 % , 57.7 % , and 67.2 % , respectively ; on the 56th day , FMA scores had increased by 88.1 % , 64.5 % , and 88.6 % , respectively ( p<0.05 ) . The respective MBI scores in the three groups increased by 85.2 % , 60.4 % , and 63.4 % at day 28 and by 108.0 % , 71.2 % , and 86.2 % at day 56 , respectively ( p<0.05 ) . However , FMA scores did not significantly differ among the three treatment groups on the 28th day . By the 56th day , the FMA and MBI scores of the physiotherapy group were 46.1 % and 33.2 % greater , respectively , than those in the acupuncture group p<0.05 ) . No significant differences were seen between the combined treatment group and the other groups . In addition , the FMA subscores for the upper extremities did not reflect any significant improvement in any group on the 56th day . Although the FMA subscores for the upper and lower extremities and the MBI score in the combined treatment group were higher than those in the acupuncture group , the differences were not statistically significant . CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is less effective for the outcome measures studied than is physiotherapy . Moreover , the therapeutic effect of combining acupuncture with physiotherapy was not superior to that of physiotherapy alone . A larger-scale clinical trial is necessary to confirm these findings The effectiveness of acupuncture in acute stroke remains largely untested and unproved . A r and omized , controlled trial was carried out to study the feasibility of acupuncture in combination with conventional supportive treatment for acute stroke patients . A total of 30 patients , aged 46 - 74 , with the onset of symptoms within 36 h were enrolled into the study after appropriate screening . All patients gave informed consent . Basing on the same supportive treatment , patients were r and omly assigned to a treatment with or without acupuncture . The procedure and acupoint selection were discussed and decided through several meetings of a group of senior acupuncture doctors in Taiwan .  Acupuncture was applied 3 times/week for 4 weeks . During the study period , there were no problems in conducting this trial in terms of patient availability and acceptance , and physician cooperation . A significantly better neurologic outcome was observed in the acupuncture group on day 28 and day 90 . The improvement in neurologic status was greatest in patients with a poor neurologic score at baseline . There were no important side effects except for one episode of dizziness related to acupuncture treatment . The data and results of this study will be used as a guideline for planning a full-scale clinical trial , e.g. sample size calculation , method of r and omization with stratification of prognostic factors , choosing acupuncture points and technique of acupuncture After obtaining informed consent , we r and omized 78 patients with severe hemiparesis of the left or right side within 10 days of stroke onset : 40 to a control group receiving daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy , and 38 to a group that , in addition , we treated with sensory stimulation ( acupuncture ) twice a week for 10 weeks . The median age was 76 years for both groups .  Motor function , balance , and ADL ( Barthel 's Index ) were assessed before the start of treatment and at 1 and 3 months after stroke onset ; ADL was also assessed after 12 months . We assessed the quality of life ( QL ) using the Nottingham Health Profile 3 , 6 , and 12 months after stroke onset . Patients given sensory stimulation  recovered faster and to a larger extent than the controls , with a significant difference for balance , mobility , ADL , QL , and days spent at hospitals/nursing homes . Whether acupuncture per se is responsible for the differences requires further study OBJECTIVE To probe the best therapy for the patient after operation of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage . METHODS One hundred cases were r and omly divided into a treatment group and a control group , 50 cases in each group . The control group were treated by routine western medicine ( Mannitol , Nifedipine and Caftriaxone sodium and so On ) , and the treatment group by the medication of the control group plus acupuncture 9 days after operation . Acupuncture was given at Neiguan ( PC 6 ) , Shuigou ( GV 26 ) , Sanyinjiso ( SP 6 ) , Jiquan ( HT 1 ) and Weizhong ( BL 40 ) and so on , combined with scalp acupuncture , with " restoring consciousness and inducing consciousness " needling method , for 10 days . The nervous function defect was assessed by Chinese Stroke Scale and the criteria for assessment of therapeutic effects . RESULTS Acupuncture could improve significantly nervous function defect . The total effective rate was 86.000 in the treatment group and 14.0 % in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of the treatment group is better than that of the control group . Acupuncture combined with western medicine has cooperation for treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage with a better therapeutic effect OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of scalp-acupuncture drawing method ( SADM ) on recovering motor function in hemiplegic patients following cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period . METHODS Adopting r and omized , single-blinded , controlled method , 93 patients suffering from hemiplegia following cerebral thrombosis were r and omly assigned to 3 groups , 31 in each group . All patients were treated based on neurological routine therapy , those in the treated group and the control group I were treated respectively with SADM and scalp-acupuncture twirling method ( SATM ) additionally , but for those in the control group II , no additional treatment was given . The treatment course for all was 4 weeks . RESULTS Before treatment , there were insignificant difference among 3 groups in the score of neural motor function deficits ( NFDS ) of limbs and activity of daily life ( ADL ) score ( P > 0.05 ) . After being treated for 4 weeks , the NFDS was significantly lower and in the control group II ( P < 0.01 , P < 0.05 ) and the change of the scores in the treated group was more than that in the control group I ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION SADM was superior to scalp-acupuncture twisting prove the ADL score and motor  function  of hemiplegia patients following cerebral thrombosis in the convalescent stage OBJECTIVE To observe the impact on lower limbs balance function in treatment of yin-yang meridians acupuncture with respiratory reinforcing and reducing manipulation involved in the patients of stroke by applying B-PHY balance function test training system so as to provide the objective evidence in treatment of stroke ; with acupuncture . METHODS One hundred patients were r and omized into an observation group and a control group , 50 cases in each one . In the control group , the basic treatment was applied , without other relevant rehabilitation therapies associated . In the observation group , with the basic treatment as the control group 's , the therapy of the yin-yang meridians acupuncutre with respiratory reinforcing and reducing manipulation was adopted . On the yin meridians , Zuwuli ( LR 10 ) , Xuehai ( SP 10 ) , Yinlingquan ( SP 9 ) , Sanyinjiao ( SP 6 ) and the others were selected and stimulated with reducing manipulation achieved by the coordination of patient 's respiration . On the yang meridians , Biguan ( ST 31 ) , Liangqiu ( ST 34 ) , Yanglingquan ( GB 34 ) and the others were selected and stimulated with reinforcing manipulation achieved by the coordination of patient 's respiration . The treatment was given once a day and for 28 days totally . Before treatment and in 28 days of treatment , B-PHY balance function test training system was used to determine the weight shift track parameters ( track length , peripheral square , track length of per unit square , left-right offset and rectangle square ) , the weight shift track distance parameters [ mean of X axle weight shift distance ( Mean-X ) , mean of Y axle weight shift distance ( Mean-Y ) , maximum of X axle weight shift distance ( Max-X ) , maximum of Y axle weight shift distance ( Max-Y ) , weight shift distance ( LSKG ) , weight shift square ( SSKG ) , square ratio of weight shift ( LFS ) ] , stability coefficient ( SI ) and weight distribution coefficient ( WDI ) . RESULTS After treatment , the differences in the weight shift track parameters , SI and WDI were significant as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups ( all P<0.01 ) ; while the differences in the weight shift distance parameters in the observation group were improved obviously after treatment as compared with those before treatment ( all P<0.01 ) , the differences of Mean-X , Max-Y and LFS in the control group were improved after treatment as compared with those before treatment ( all P<0.01 ) . Except SSKG , the improvements after treatment in the rest indices in the observation group were better than those in the control group ( all P<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION The yin-yang meridians acupuncture with respiratry reinforcing and re- ducing manipulation effectively improves the lower limbs balance function in the patients of stroke OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of post-stroke depression ( PSD ) by regulating the liver and strengthening the root prescription . METHODS In light of the r and om controlled trial principle , 123 cases were r and omized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group ( 42 cases ) , a medication group ( 40 cases ) and an acupuncture + medication group ( 41 cases ) . In the acupuncture-moxibustion group , the therapy of regulating the liver and strengthening the root was applied . Acupuncture was given at Hegu ( LI 4 ) , Taichong ( LR 3 ) , Baihui ( GV 20 , Yintang ( GV 29 ) , etc . The granule moxibustion was applied at Zhongwan ( CV 12 ) , Xiawan ( CV 10 ) , Guanyuan ( CV 4 ) and Qihai ( CV 6 ) . The treatment was given once a day and stopped in weekend . In the medication group , paroxetine hydrochloride tablets were prescribed for oral administration , 20 mg each day after breakfast . In the acupuncture + medication group , the therapies were adopted as the acupuncture-moxibustion group and the medication group . In the 2nd and 4th week of treatment , HAMD was used as the primary index and Barthel index as the secondary one for the efficacy assessment in the three groups respectively . The spleen and stomach syndrome scale of TCM was used for the assessment of TCM syndrome efficacy . Treatment emergent symptom scale ( TESS ) was applied for the safety assessment . RESULTS In the 4th week of treatment , the markedly effective rates were 69.0 % ( 29/42 ) , 65.0 % ( 26/40 ) and 70.7 % ( 29/41 ) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group , the medication group and the acupuncture + medication group respectively . The efficacies of anti-depression were similar in comparison among groups ( P > 0.05 ) . In the 2nd week of treatment , the improvement of HAMD score was significant in the acupuncture + medication group as compared with that before treatment and in comparison with the medication group ( P < 0.05 , P < 0.01 ) . As for improving Barthel index , reducing the spleen and stomach symptom score of TCM and decreasing the score of TESS , the results in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and the acupuncture + medication group were superior to those in the medication group ( P < 0.05 , P < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSION The therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion with regulating the liver and strengthening the root achieves the definite efficacy of anti-depression and presents the quite high safety in treatment OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical efficacy on post-stroke speech disorder treated with acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training . METHODS The multi- central r and omized controlled study was adopted . One hundred and twenty cases of brain stroke were divided into a speech rehabilitation group ( control group ) , a speech rehabilitation plus acupuncture group ( observation group 1 ) and a speech rehabilitation plus acupuncture combined with psychotherapy group ( observation group 2 ) , 40 cases in each one . The rehabilitation training was conducted by a professional speech trainer . In acupuncture treatment , speech function area in scalp acupuncture , Jinjin ( EX-HN 12 ) and Yuye ( EX-HN 13 ) in tongue acupuncture and Lianquan ( CV 23 ) were the basic points . The supplementary points were selected according to syndrome differentiation . Bloodletting method was used in combination with acupuncture . Psychotherapy was applied by the physician in psychiatric department of the hospital . The corresponding programs were used in each group . Examination of Aphasia of Chinese of Beijing Hospital was adopted to observe the oral speech expression , listening comprehension and reading and writing ability . RESULTS After 21-day treatment , the total effective rate was 92.5 % ( 37/40 ) in observation group 1 , 97.5 % ( 39/40 ) in observation group 2 and 87.5 % ( 35/40 ) in control group . The efficacies were similar in comparison among 3 groups . The remarkable effective rate was 15.0 % ( 6/40 ) in observation group 1 , 50.0 % ( 20/40 ) in observation group 2 and 2.5 % ( 1/40 ) in control group . The result in observation group 2 was superior to the other two groups ( P<0.01 , P<0.001 ) . In comparison of the improvements of oral expression , listening comprehension , reading and writing ability , all of the 3 groups had achieved the improvements to different extents after treatment ( P<0.01 , P<0.001 ) . The results in observation group 2 were better than those in observation group 1 and control group . CONCLUSION Acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training is obviously advantageous in the treatment of post-stroke speech disorder OBJECTIVE To study the effect on the motor function of stroke patients by combination of needling at Back-shu point and trunk exercise . METHODS Ninety stroke hemiplegic patients were r and omly assigned to the conventional treatment group  ( as the convention group ) , the Back-shu point needling group , and the combination of Back-shu point needling and the trunk exercise group , 30 patients in each group . They were treated with the conventional treatment , needling at Back-shu point , and the combination of needling at Back-shu point and trunk exercise . The Fugl-Meyer score ( FMA ) and modified Barthel index ( MBI ) score were assessed before treatment and two months after treatment . RESULTS The three rehabilitation treatment methods were all effective in improving the motor function of stroke hemiplegic patients ( P<0.05 ) . The effects in the Back-shu point needling group and the combination of Back-shu point needling and the trunk exercise group were respectively superior to that in the conventional treatment group ( P<0.05 ) . The effect in the combination of Back-shu point needling and the trunk exercise group was superior to that in the Back-shu point needling group ( P<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION The combination of Back-shu point needling and the trunk exercise could improve the motor function of stroke hemiplegic patients , and its effect was better than needling at Back-shu point alone One hundred and eight cases of sequelae of cerebro-vascular accident were r and omly divided into two groups temporal point group ( TG , 58 cases ) and body acupuncture group ( BG , 50 cases ) . It was shown that after 30 treatments the therapeutic effects were significantly different statistically ( P < 0.01 ) between the two groups . The effect in TG was better than that in BG . It indicates that the two acupuncture therapies can improve blood rheology in patients . The ameliorative function in TG was better than that in BG The CONSORT statement is used worldwide to improve the reporting of r and omised controlled trials . Kenneth Schulz and colleagues describe the latest version , CONSORT 2010 , which up date s the reporting guideline based on new method ological evidence and accumulating OBJECTIVE To search for the best way to elevate the clinical therapeutic effect in the hemiplegic patient of cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period . METHODS Adopting single-blind , r and omized controlled method , 90 cases of cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period were assigned to 3 groups : a scalp acupuncture group ( group A ) , a rehabilitation therapy group ( group B ) and a scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy group ( group C ) . Group A were treated with scalp acupuncture at the anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal and the posterior oblique line of vertex-temporal on the healthy side ; group B were treated with modern rehabilitation medical therapy , making limb function treatment ; group C were treated with the scalp acupuncture in the group A combined with the rehabilitation therapy in the group B. Improvement of neural function defect and activity of daily life ( ADL ) , and clinical therapeutic effect were observed . RESULTS After treatment , the scores of neural function defect of 6.14 + /- 0.36 in the group C was significantly lower than 8.94 + /- 0.56 in the group A and 8.64 + /- 0.49 in the group B ( P<0.05 ) ; the score of ADL of 88.39 + /- 10.02 and clinical therapeutic effect of 90.0 % in the group C were significantly higher than 74.19 + /- 12.12 and 76.7 % in the group A and 72.29 + /- 11.52 and 73.3 % in the group B ( P<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION The scalp acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy have synergistic action in improving motor function for the hemiplegic patient of cerebral thrombosis at convalescent period , and it is a better method for cerebral thrombosis at the convalescent stage OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture with sham acupuncture on upper-extremity ( UE ) function and quality of life ( QOL ) in patients with chronic hemiparesis from stroke . DESIGN A prospect i ve , sham-controlled , r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) . SETTING Patients recruited through a hospital stroke rehabilitation program . PARTICIPANTS Thirty-three subjects who incurred a stroke 0.8 to 24 years previously and had moderate to severe UE functional impairment . INTERVENTIONS Active acupuncture tailored to traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses , including electroacupuncture , or sham acupuncture . Up to 20 treatment sessions ( mean , 16.9 ) over a mean of 10.5 weeks . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES UE motor function , spasticity , grip strength , range of motion ( ROM ) , activities of daily living , QOL , and mood . All outcomes were measured at baseline and after treatment . RESULTS Intention-to-treat ( ITT ) analyses found no statistically significant differences in outcomes between active and sham acupuncture groups . Analyses of protocol -compliant subjects revealed significant improvement in wrist spasticity ( P<.01 ) and both wrist ( P<.01 ) and shoulder ( P<.01 ) ROM in the active acupuncture group , and improvement trends in UE motor function ( P=.09 ) and digit ROM ( P=.06 ) . CONCLUSIONS Based on ITT analyses , we conclude that acupuncture does not improve UE function or QOL in patients with chronic stroke symptoms . However , gains in UE function observed in protocol -compliant subjects suggest traditional Chinese acupuncture may help patients with chronic stroke symptoms . These results must be interpreted cautiously because of small sample sizes and multiple , unadjusted , post hoc comparisons . A larger , more definitive RCT using a similar design is feasible and warranted OBJECTIVE To observe effect of acupuncture combined witb byperbaric oxygenation on balance function of cerebral infa rct ion . METHODS Seventy-two cases were r and omly divided into a treatment group and a control group , 36 cases in each group . The control group were treated with routine medicine and hyperbaric oxygenation , and the treatment group with acupuncture on the basis of treatment method of the control group . Berg balance scale ( BBS ) was used for investigating changes of balance function before and after treatment in the patient of cerebral infa rct ion . RESULTS After treatment , the balance function improved in the two groups , with more significant improvement in the treatment group . And increase of motor function in the treatment group was more rapid than that in the control group ( P < O. 01 ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygenation can overall and synchronously rehabilitate sense and motor functions , significantly improve balance disturbance in the patient of cerebral infa rct ion , with unique therapeutic effect on dysopia and dysacusis for the patient of cerebral infa rct ion at the early stage OBJECTIVE To observe therapeutic effect of Tiaoshen Fuyin acupuncture therapy on cerebral infa rct ion-induced Broca aphasia . METHODS Sixty cases were r and omly divided into an observation group and a control group , 30 cases in each group . The observation group were treated with Tiaoshen Fuyin acupuncture therapy and language training , and the control group with simple language training . For the acupuncture treatment , Sishencong ( EX-HN 1 ) , Benshen ( GB 13 ) , Shenting ( GV 24 ) , Lianquan ( CV 23 ) , Xinshu ( BL 15 ) , Shentang ( BL 44 ) , Shendao ( GV 11 ) , Lingtao ( HT 4 ) were selected and language training included training of phonatory organs in mouth , the mouth shape , sound , spoken language expression and practical exchange ability . They were treated for 5 therapeutic courses . Language examination was conducted once each before and after treatment with " Aphasia Battery of Chinese " ( ABC method ) . RESULTS The therapeutic effect of Tiaoshen Fuyin acupuncture therapy combined with language training was better than that of simple language training . CONCLUSION Tiaoshen Fuyin acupuncture therapy combined with language training can significantly improve language function and increase life quality in the patient of cerebral infa rct ion-induced Broca aphasia OBJECTIVE To provide reliable evidence of " J in three-needle therapy " for treatment of stroke . METHODS Multi- central r and omized controlled trials were adopted , 180 hemiplegia patients of ischemic stroke were r and omly divided into a fin three-needle group ( 90 cases ) and a routine acupuncture group ( 90 cases ) . Two groups were both treated with basic neurology therapies , and J in three-needle group was treated with J in three-needle therapy , three acupoints of tempora , h and and foot etc . were selected ; the routine acupuncture group was treated with traditional acupuncture , Quchi ( LI 11 ) , Huantiao ( GB 30 ) , Futu ( ST 32 ) etc . were selected . Both groups were treated with acupuncture for 5 weeks . The cognitive function score of functional comprehensive assessment scale ( FCA ) , the scores of mini-mental state examination scale ( MMSE ) and modified Barthel index ( BI ) were compared before and after treatment between two groups . Results After treatment , the scores of FCA , MMSE and BI in both groups were significantly improved compared to those before treatment ( P < 0.01 , P < 0.05 ) ; the improvement of FCA score , MMSE score and BI score in the J in three-needle group were superior to those of the routine acupuncture group after treatment ( P < 0.01 , P < 0.05 ) . The total effective rate of 85.4 % in the J in three-needle group was superior to tohat of 70.0 % in the routine acupuncture group ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION J in three-needle acupuncture treatment can obviously improve the cognitive function and activity ability of daily life of hemiplegia patients after stroke , and the therapeutic effect of J in three-needle therapy is superior to that of traditional acupuncture treatment OBJECTIVE To observe the therapeutic effect of cluster-needle stimulation of scalp-points combined with rehabilitation training for apoplectic aphemia . METHODS A total of 56 out patients were r and omized into control ( medication , manicol/ beronald , Ca2 + antagonist , citicoline , etc . )  group . rehabilitation ( Rehab , visual-listening , articulation and speech training ) group and acupuncture [ Dingqu : 1 cun and 2 cun parallel to the line joining Baihui ( GV 20 ) and Qi and ing ( GV 21 ) respectively on the bilateral sides . Dingqianqu : 1 cun and 2 cun parallel to the line joining GV21 and Xinghui ( GV 22 ) separately on both sides . etc ] combined with rehabilitation ( Acup+ Rehab ) group . Aphasia Battery of Chinese ( ABC ) was used to assess the patient 's speech ability , i.e. , aphasia quocient ( AQ ) ; The Chinese functional communication ( CFCP ) test was used to evaluate the patient 's daily life speech communication ability , and Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination ( BDAE ) was also conducted to assess the severity of aphasia . RESULTS After the treatment , the speech ability , oral presentation , listening comprehension , writing ability , AQ index and CFCP were all improved significantly in 3 groups ( P < 0.005 , 0.01 ) ; the total effective rate ( 85.00 % ) of Acup+ Rehab group was significantly higher than those of Rehab group ( 77.78 % ) and control group ( 64.71 % , P < 0.05 , 0.01 ) . The scores of ABC , AQ index , CFCP and BDAE grade in Acup+ Rehab group were significantly higher than those of Rehab and control groups ( P < 0.05 , 0.01 ) , and those scores of Rehab group were also significantly higher than those of control group ( P < 0.05 , 0.01 ) . CONCLUSION The cluster-needle puncture of scalp-points combined with rehabilitation training is an effective therapy for improving apoplectic aphemia VIP , SS and PP which exist in gastrointestinal tract and CNS might be to play an important role in nervous system as neurotransmitters of neuromediaters . There have been a few of reports about their changes in plasma and CSF in ICVD . The effects of acupuncture , which was used in treatment of ICVD with good efficiency , on VIP , SS and PP have not been known . For research ing their changes in ICVD and effects of electro-acupuncture on them , and finding the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of ICVD , the study was performed . The levels of VIP , SS and PP in 64 patients with acute cerebral infa rct ion were determined . The points of acupuncture were Quchi ( LI 12 ) , Waiguan ( SJ 5 ) , Huantiao ( BG 30 ) , and Zusanli ( ST 36 ) . The routine treatment included dextran , nicotinic acid , aspirin , dipyridamole and radix salviae miltiorrhizae composita . The CSF and blood were taken before the begining of treatments and after a course of treatment . The level of VIP , SS and PP were measured by radiommunoassay . Results showed the level of CSF VIP in the patients was significantly lower as compared with controls . The level of plasma SS in the patients was lower , but the difference was not significant as compared with controls , and level of plasma PP in the patients was significantly increased when it was compared with controls . After electro-acupuncture treatment , in patients with good efficiency , CSF VIP recovered to normal level and the levels of plasma and CSF SS were significantly increased , while the level of plasma PP had no significant change . The results suggest that acupuncture might regulate the disturbances of metabolism of VIP and SS in CNS OBJECTIVE To provide biomechanics basis for acupuncture improving motor function of  stroke patients . METHODS With r and omized controlled trial method , 21 cases were r and omly divided into a control group ( n = 10 ) and an acupuncture group ( n = 10 ) . The control group was only treated with basic neurology therapies , and acupuncture at Shenshu ( BL 23 ) , Qihaishu ( BL 24 ) , Dachangshu ( BL 25 ) and Pishu ( BL 20 ) etc . were added in the acu-puncture group . After treatment for 2 weeks , the scores of Fugl-Meyer ( lower limb part ) and Barthel Index assessment before and after treatment were compared , and the changes of the single-foot supporting phase rate were observed . RESULTS After treatment , the scores of Fugl-Meyer ( lower limb part ) and Barthel Index assessment had no significant difference in the two groups as compared with those before treatment ( P > 0.05 ) , and the single-foot supporting phase rate in acupuncture group had very significant improvement as compared with both those before treatment and those in the control group ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 , respectively ) . CONCLUSION Acupuncture can increase the single-foot supporting phase rate of stroke patients and the biomechanics assessment is more sensitive than the rehabilitation scale assessment Objective : We recently reported that acupuncture treatment of stroke patients in the subacute stage gave additive therapeutic benefit . The purpose of the present study was to determine , approximately one year after discharge from the rehabilitation hospital , whether the group differences still remained . Design : The patients were r and omized into two groups : one acupuncture group and one control group , considering gender and side of hemispheral localization of lesion . With regard to the main parameters the groups were comparable at baseline . Setting : Initially , 45 stroke patients admitted to Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital were included in the study : median 40 days post stroke . Subjects : Forty-one of the patients were available one year after the treatment period : 21 patients in the acupuncture group and 20 controls .  Intervention : All subjects received an individually adapted , multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme . The acupuncture group received additional treatment with classical acupuncture for 30 min three to four times weekly for six weeks . Main outcome measures : The patients were evaluated at inclusion , after six weeks and approximately 12 months after discharge from the rehabilitation hospital . The Motor Assessment Scale ( MAS ) for stroke patients , Sunnaas Index of Activity of Daily Living ( ADL ) and Nottingham Health Profile ( NHP ) were used . In addition , the social situations of the patients were recorded at one year follow-up . Results : The results show that the acupuncture group improved significantly more than the controls , both during the treatment period of six weeks , and even more during the following year , both according to MAS , ADL , NHP and the social situation . Conclusion : Although the mechanism of the effects is debatable , there seems to be a positive long-term effect of acupuncture given in the subacute stage post stroke
BACKGROUND Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world and in China it has now become the main cause of death .
It is also a main cause of adult disability and dependency .
Acupuncture for stroke has been used in China for hundreds of years and is increasingly practice d in some Western countries .
This is an up date of the Cochrane review originally published in 2006 .
OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy in people with subacute and chronic stroke .
We intended to test the following hypotheses : 1 ) acupuncture can reduce the risk of death or dependency in people with subacute and chronic stroke at the end of treatment and at follow-up ; 2 ) acupuncture can improve neurological deficit and quality of life after treatment and at the end of follow-up ; 3 ) acupuncture can reduce the number of people requiring institutional care ; and 4 ) acupuncture is not associated with any intolerable adverse effects .