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Published on: October 11, 2024
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Optimal acupuncture methods for lower limb motor dysfunction after stroke: a systematic review and network
Yaning Liu1, Yuqi Tang1, Linjia Wang1
1Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|July 26, 2024
Summary
Body acupuncture combined with rehabilitation is the most effective treatment for post-stroke lower limb motor dysfunction. This network meta-analysis prioritized acupuncture interventions, confirming its high efficacy and safety for improving limb function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Stroke-induced lower limb motor dysfunction significantly impacts patient independence.
- Acupuncture is recommended for post-stroke limb spasticity and strength, but optimal methods remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize network meta-analysis (NMA) to identify the most effective and safe acupuncture intervention for lower limb motor dysfunction after stroke.
- To guide clinical practice by prioritizing superior acupuncture treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 4,312 studies, including 43 randomized controlled trials with 4,134 patients.
- Evaluated efficacy and safety of 9 acupuncture interventions using Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity (FMA-LE), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Berg balance scale (BBS), and Modified Ashworth scale (MAS).
- Assessed risk of bias, publication bias, and sensitivity of included trials.
Main Results:
- Body acupuncture combined with conventional rehabilitation demonstrated the highest comprehensive credibility for efficacy and safety compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.
- Significant improvements were observed in FMA-LE [SMD=1.14], MBI [SMD=1.35], BBS [SMD=1.22], and MAS [SMD=1.21].
- Other methods like warm acupuncture and electroacupuncture showed potential benefits for specific outcome indicators.
Conclusions:
- Body acupuncture combined with rehabilitation is the most effective and highest quality evidence-based intervention for post-stroke lower limb motor dysfunction.
- Further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate other acupuncture methods.
