Cognitive Improvement in Children With Cerebral Palsy Following Combined Scalp Acupuncture and High-Frequency
Xiao Yu Shen1, Zhen Zhen Zhao1, Wei Yi Huang1
1Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, CHN.
Insights
Combining scalp acupuncture with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) significantly improved cognitive function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and cognitive impairment. This combined therapy offers a promising approach for enhancing cognitive outcomes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often presents with cognitive impairment, affecting children's development and quality of life.
- Current rehabilitation strategies aim to improve functional outcomes, but cognitive enhancement remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining scalp acupuncture with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for improving cognitive function in children with CP and cognitive impairment.
- To compare the effectiveness of this combined therapy against scalp acupuncture alone.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 60 children with CP and cognitive impairment.
- Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving scalp acupuncture plus high-frequency rTMS, and a control group receiving scalp acupuncture alone.
- Both groups underwent concurrent routine rehabilitation for 24 weeks, with cognitive function assessed using the WISC-IV pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The combined therapy group showed significantly higher post-intervention total WISC scores compared to the control group (75.03±4.72 vs. 65.90±4.81, p＜0.001).
- The observation group also demonstrated greater mean score increases (10.57±2.81 vs. 5.83±1.70, p＜0.001), higher Perceptual Reasoning Index, and improved Working Memory Index.
- A higher proportion of children in the observation group had mild cognitive impairment at baseline (p=0.037).
Conclusions:
- The combination of scalp acupuncture and high-frequency rTMS significantly enhances cognitive function in children with CP and cognitive impairment.
- This integrated therapeutic approach appears more effective than scalp acupuncture alone for improving cognitive deficits in this population.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining scalp acupuncture and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for improving cognitive function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and cognitive impairment. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 60 children with CP and cognitive impairment were recruited from January 2023 to June 2024 at a tertiary rehabilitation center. Participants were divided into two groups (n=30 each): the observation group received scalp acupuncture plus high-frequency rTMS (3 sessions/week), while the control group received scalp acupuncture alone (same frequency). Both groups underwent concurrent routine rehabilitation (150 minutes/session, three sessions/week) for 24 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using WISC-IV before and after intervention. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and non-parametric tests.
Results:
Baseline characteristics (age, gender, and disease duration) showed no differences between the two groups (p>0.05). Pre-intervention, compared with the control group, total WISC scores were higher (64.74±4.00 vs. 60.07±4.54, p＜0.001), and a greater proportion of children with mild cognitive impairment (25/30 vs. 14/30, p=0.037) were in the observation group. Post-intervention, compared with the control group, total WISC scores were higher (75.03±4.72 vs. 65.90±4.81, p＜0.001), 65.90±4.81，p＜0.001), mean change scores were increased (10.57±2.81 vs. 5.83±1.70, p＜0.001), the Perceptual Reasoning Index was higher (82.26±7.62 vs. 74.16±10.31, p＜0.001), and the Working Memory Index was higher (78.90±7.12 vs. 67.33±7.70, p＜0.001) in the observation group.
Conclusion:
The combination of scalp acupuncture and high-frequency rTMS significantly enhances cognitive function in children with CP and cognitive impairment compared to scalp acupuncture alone.
