Use of Acupuncture for Stroke in China

Zhang, Shihong; Li, Ning; Liu, Ming

doi:10.1136/aim.2009.001669

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(7 reference statements)

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“…If the potential benefits above are confirmed, the health gain from wider use of the acupuncture after stroke could be substantial. 26 This study has strengths. First, it is the largest randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for stroke at the moment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture Efficacy on Ischemic Stroke Recovery

Zhang

Liu

et al. 2015

Stroke

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Therefore, we designed this randomized controlled trials with a larger sample, and scales to Background and Purpose-Acupuncture is a frequently used complementary treatment for ischemic stroke in China but the evidence available from previous randomized trials is inconclusive. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in a more robustly designed larger scale trial. Methods-This is a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Eight hundred sixty-two hospitalized patients with limb paralysis between 3 to 10 days after ischemic stroke onset were allocated acupuncture plus standard care or standard care alone. The acupuncture was applied 5 times per week for 3 to 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were defined as follows: (1) death/disability according to Barthel index and (2) death/institutional care at 6 months. Results-There was a tendency of fewer patients being dead or dependent in acupuncture group (80/385, 20.7%) than in control group (102/396, 25.8%) at 6 months (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-1.05). The benefit was noted in subgroup receiving ≥10 sessions of acupuncture (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.98). There was no statistical difference in death or institutional care between the 2 groups (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.79). Severe adverse events occurred in 7.6% and 8.3% of patients in the 2 groups, respectively. Conclusions-Acupuncture seemed to be safe in the subacute phase of ischemic stroke. If the potential benefits observed are confirmed in future larger study, the health gain from wider use of the treatment could be substantial. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.chictr.org/en/. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-11001353.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture Efficacy on Ischemic Stroke Recovery

Zhang

Liu

et al. 2015

Stroke

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“…Using acupuncture for stroke patients is common practice in most hospitals in China (Zhang et al, 2009). The differences between the West and China may be due to stroke treatment and rehabilitation recently being prioritised as an issue for biomedical treatment (Department of Health, 2007).…”

Section: Strokementioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring practice characteristics and research priorities of practitioners of traditional acupuncture in China and the EU—A survey

Robinson

Lorenc

Ding

et al. 2012

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

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The survey identified differences in practice and training between acupuncturists in China and the EU and between EU member states. These differences may inform prioritisation of health conditions for future trials. Innovative research methods are recommended to incorporate the complexity and plurality of acupuncture practice and theory. Creation of collaborative networks is crucial in overcoming these differences to facilitate international, multi-centre clinical trials.

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“…Qi flows through a network of 14 channels, called "meridians", which run along the surface of the human body. There are nearly 400 acupuncture points (acupoints) on the body surface, which linked through the 14 meridians to various organs or viscera (13). By stimulating various meridian points, acupuncture is thought to correct the imbalance of energy in the body and restore natural internal homeostasis (10,(14)(15)(16).…”

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confidence: 99%