Optimising electroacupuncture parameters for post-stroke hand dysfunction: protocol for a multi-arm randomised...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Post-stroke hand dysfunction significantly impacts patient motor abilities and daily life.
• Electroacupuncture (EA) is a common rehabilitation method, but lacks standardized parameters.
• Inconsistent outcomes limit the broader adoption of EA for stroke recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine optimal electroacupuncture parameters for treating post-stroke hand dysfunction.
• To establish evidence-based standards for EA in stroke rehabilitation.
• To improve the consistency and effectiveness of EA treatments.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, 10-arm randomized controlled trial involving 110 patients.
• Patients will be assigned to nine EA groups or one sham acupuncture group.
• An orthogonal experimental design will evaluate acupoint selection, stimulation frequency, needle thickness, and treatment duration over 12 sessions.
• Primary outcome: effective response rate based on Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS) score reduction at 2 weeks.

Main Results:

• This is a study protocol; results are not yet available.
• Data collection and analysis will occur after participant recruitment and follow-up.
• Safety and adverse events will be monitored throughout the study.

Conclusions:

• This trial addresses the need for standardized EA parameters in post-stroke hand dysfunction.
• The orthogonal design systematically evaluates key treatment factors.
• Findings will provide a methodological framework to enhance EA's clinical effectiveness and reproducibility in stroke rehabilitation.