[Electroacupuncture combined with PNF on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients: a...

To observe the clinical efficacy and correlation of electroacupuncture combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients.

A total of 96 stroke patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, a PNF group and a combination group, 32 cases in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at cephalic motor and sensory areas, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on affected side, and electroacupuncture was adopted at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Xuanzhong (GB 39), continuous wave and 2 Hz in frequency for 20 min, once every day. In the PNF group, PNF was performed for 20 min, once a day. In the combination group, electroacupuncture was given before PNF, once a day. 4 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required, the effect was followed up after half a year. Before treatment, after 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the average trace error (ATE) and Time, the scores of Fugl-Meyer scale (FMA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed in the 3 groups. Correlation analysis between ATE, Time and FMA was performed.

① The total effective rate in the combination group was 90.3% (28/31), which was superior to 64.5% (20/31) in the EA group and 62.5% (20/32) in the PNF group (P<0.05). ②After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE and Time in the 3 groups were reduced compared with before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the Time in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ③After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the EA group and the combination group were increased compared with before treatment (P<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the PNF group were increased compared with before treatment (P<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group and the PNF group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ④After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the 3 groups were increased compared with before treatment (P<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the PNF group (P<0.01). ⑤ The correlation coefficients of ATE, Time and FMA were from 0.4 to 0.75 (P<0.05), suggesting a moderate intensity correlation.

Electroacupuncture, PNF and combination therapy can improve proprioception and motor function of lower limbs and activities of daily living, and combination therapy has a better effect. Proprioception and motor function have a strong correlation in the recovery of stroke patients.