Synergistic effect of acupuncture and mirror therapy on post-stroke upper limb dysfunction: a study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Upper limb dysfunction is a significant challenge in post-stroke rehabilitation.
• Acupuncture treatment (AT) and mirror therapy (MT) have shown individual efficacy in improving upper limb function.
• A systematic comparison of AT and MT, individually and in combination, is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the synergistic effects of acupuncture and mirror therapy on post-stroke upper limb dysfunction.
• To compare the efficacy of combined AT and MT against AT alone, MT alone, and conventional treatment.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial involving 136 subjects.
• Participants were assigned to four groups: conventional treatment, AT, MT, or combined AT and MT.
• Interventions were administered 5 days/week for 4 weeks, with primary outcomes assessed at 4 and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The trial is designed to demonstrate the synergistic effect of combined AT and MT.
• It will also determine if AT and MT, alone or combined, are superior to conventional treatment for upper limb motor recovery.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide evidence on the combined efficacy of acupuncture and mirror therapy for post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction.
• Findings will clarify the role of these therapies in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.