Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Poststroke Motor Recovery and Physical Function: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study obtained preliminary data on the effects of acupuncture treatment combined with a standard inpatient stroke rehabilitation program on poststroke motor recovery and physical function. Thirty-two patients with acute stroke were recruited and randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms: standard rehabilitation (control group) or a combination of acupuncture and standard rehabilitation (acupuncture group). Baseline and discharge assessments were obtained on motor recovery as measured by the Fugl-Meyer (FM) Assessment and on physical function as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Comparisons were made between the acupuncture and control group in total FM and FIM as well as for each subscale of the FM and FIM. No differences between treatment groups were found in the total FM or the total FIM. However, statistically significant benefit due to acupuncture was observed for the FM lower extremity motor function subscale (P = 0.01) and the tub/shower transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.03). Marginally significant benefit due to acupuncture was noted for the toilet transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.09). The effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to standard poststroke rehabilitation programs may be demonstrated when more specific measures of stroke motor recovery and physical function are used.

Increased Brain Activation in Motor Cortex After Acupuncture Treatment for Motor Recovery in Chronic Stroke Patients

“…Clinical efficacy of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation in the chronic phase is yet to be confirmed in a controlled clinical trial using a larger sample size. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture is suggested by the present results, as acupuncture stimulation on well recognized motor-implicated acupoints Hegu LI-4 [13,[26][27][28] and Quchi LI-11 [13,[27][28][29][30] was the sole intervention applied during the study period to our clinically stable chronic stroke patients. Such a setting cannot be applied to studies on stroke patients at acute or subacute phase [13,14,30,31] because of ethical considerations.…”

Effect of Integrated Medicine on Physical Performances of Orthopaedic and Stroke Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

“…Although a Cochrane study [17] concluded that there was inadequate evidence to draw any conclusions as to the efficacy of this methodology, a meta-analysis [18] demonstrates its efficacy and safety. Few studies integrating acupuncture into post-stroke rehabilitation therapy have been performed in western countries [19,20]: to date, most have been conducted in the East, where acupuncture is a common and acknowledged therapy [21][22][23][24].…”

A Case Report of Hemiparesis in a Patient with an Intracerebral Hemorrhage at the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, and Internal Capsule Treated with a Combination of Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine

“…In East Asia, post-stroke patients with impairments are often treated with herbal medicine [3], acupuncture and moxibustion [4,5]. Tokishakuyakusan (TS), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Dang-gui-shao-yao-san in Chinese, is reported to have a neuroendocrine effect [6] and to activate choline acetyltransferase [7].…”