Efficacy of acupuncture on cognitive function in poststroke depression: study protocol for a randomized,...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication impacting recovery and quality of life.
• Current antidepressant treatments for PSD have limitations and side effects.
• Acupuncture shows promise as a treatment for PSD in preliminary research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating PSD.
• To explore acupuncture's effects on cognitive function in PSD patients.
• To investigate acupuncture's impact on emotional processing biases in PSD.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial involving 56 PSD patients.
• Participants were assigned to either acupuncture (n=28) or sham acupuncture (n=28) for 20 sessions over 4 weeks.
• Primary outcome: change in Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD-17) scores; secondary outcomes: cognitive tests (WCST) and event-related potentials (ERPs).

Main Results:

• Acupuncture treatment is hypothesized to improve depressive symptoms.
• Improvements in cognitive behaviors and emotional processing are expected.
• The study will assess changes in HAMD-17 scores, WCST performance, and ERPs (P1, N170, P3).

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture therapy presents a potential alternative treatment for PSD.
• This trial aims to provide robust clinical evidence supporting acupuncture's use in PSD management.
• Further research could establish acupuncture as a viable option for poststroke depression.