Acupuncture and Acupoints for Managing Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Acupuncture is frequently used to manage pediatric cerebral palsy (CP), yet updated evidence is needed to guide future research and clinical practice.

Seven databases were searched from 1994 to 26 June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving body, scalp, or ear acupuncture for managing CP, excluding acupoint injection, catgut embedding, electro-acupuncture, or laser acupuncture, were included.

Twenty RCTs with 1797 participants were analyzed. Acupuncture groups had better improvements in gross motor function measure (GMFM) scores by 5% (mean difference: 5.93, 95% CI: 3.67-8.19, p < 0.001, I² = 57%); a 16% higher probability to yield prominent improvement in effectiveness rate (ER) (risk ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25, p < 0.001, I² = 0%); and better outcomes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.3, 95%, CI: 0.11-0.49, p < 0.001, I² = 0%), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SMD: 2.48; 95% CI: 2.00-2.97, p < 0.001, I² = 72%) and ADL (SMD: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.23-2.08, p < 0.001, I² = 91%). Studies with eight core acupoints identified from all ninety-five acupoints had better ER.

Acupuncture, especially using core acupoints, may be effective for managing symptoms in children with CP.