Effect of Acupuncture on Sensorimotor Function and Mobility in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease causing variable sensorimotor and mobility impairments.
• Persons with MS (pwMS) often seek complementary therapies like acupuncture for symptom management.
• Previous acupuncture studies in MS are limited by methodological flaws, hindering efficacy conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of an acupuncture intervention for sensorimotor and mobility measures in pwMS.
• To evaluate acupuncture's impact on strength, sensation, spasticity, gait, and balance in pwMS.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover design was employed, with participants receiving acupuncture or a no-treatment control.
• Interventions were administered twice weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period.
• Comprehensive assessments of strength, sensation, spasticity, gait, and balance were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Seven of 12 participants completed the study; no adverse effects were reported.
• No significant changes were observed in gait or balance measures.
• Statistically significant improvements were noted in upper extremity strength, while sensation and spasticity remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture did not demonstrate significant effects on mobility in pwMS.
• While some upper extremity strength improvements occurred, their attribution to acupuncture versus MS variability is uncertain.
• The study highlights the need for robust research into complementary therapies for MS symptom management.