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Acupuncture for shoulder pain after stroke: a systematic review
Jung Ah Lee1, Si-Woon Park, Pil Woo Hwang
1Department of Motor & Cognitive Rehabilitation, Korea National Rehabilitation Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Acupuncture combined with exercise effectively treats shoulder pain after stroke. This systematic review highlights its benefits for upper extremity function recovery in stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Post-stroke shoulder pain is a frequent complication impacting upper extremity function.
- Acupuncture is a traditional therapy explored for managing this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for shoulder pain in stroke patients.
- To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this therapeutic intervention.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, Cochrane, Korean, and Chinese databases).
- Included studies were RCTs published between January 1990 and August 2009.
- Study quality was assessed using Modified Jadad Scores (MJS) and Cochrane Back Review Group Criteria (CBRG).
Main Results:
- Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria, all originating from China and reporting positive treatment outcomes.
- Studies indicated that acupuncture, particularly when combined with exercise, showed beneficial effects.
- The methodological quality of the included studies varied, with MJS scores between 2-3 and CBRG scores between 4-7.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture, especially when integrated with exercise, demonstrates effectiveness in alleviating shoulder pain post-stroke.
- Further rigorously designed clinical trials are recommended to solidify these findings and explore optimal treatment protocols.