[Interactive scalp acupuncture for hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke: a...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Ischemic stroke frequently causes hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction.
• Restoring motor function and independence in daily activities is crucial for stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of interactive scalp acupuncture versus traditional scalp acupuncture for hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction post-ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• Seventy ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegic upper extremity dysfunction were randomized into two groups.
• Both groups received medication and rehabilitation; one group had occupational therapy integrated with scalp acupuncture (interactive), the other received it sequentially.
• Standardized scalp acupuncture points and techniques were used, with treatments administered daily for 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both interactive and traditional scalp acupuncture improved Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf motor function test (WMFT), modified Barthel index (MBI), and modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scores.
• The interactive scalp acupuncture group showed significantly better outcomes in FMA-UE, WMFT, and MBI scores compared to the traditional group.
• No significant difference in MAS grade (spasticity) was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Interactive scalp acupuncture is more effective than traditional scalp acupuncture in enhancing motor function and activities of daily living for ischemic stroke patients.
• Both scalp acupuncture methods demonstrate comparable effects on reducing spasticity.