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Network meta-analysis of different acupuncture methods for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity.
Fanyu Xing1,2, Rongwei Zhang3, Yang Guo2
1Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Balanced Yin-Yang Acupuncture and Luan's Three-Needle Technique show promise for treating post-stroke upper-limb spasticity when combined with rehabilitation, according to a systematic review.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Post-stroke upper-limb spasticity is a common and debilitating condition.
- Acupuncture is a widely used therapy, but evidence on optimal protocols is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare the effectiveness of different acupuncture protocols for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Included 28 trials evaluating 14 distinct acupuncture treatment protocols.
- Data analyzed using Stata 18 software.
Main Results:
- Balanced Yin-Yang Acupuncture + Rehabilitation demonstrated superior outcomes in Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores.
- Luan's Three-Needle Technique + Meridian Sinew Cluster Needling + Rehabilitation was most effective for reducing modified Ashworth scale scores.
Conclusions:
- Specific acupuncture protocols, namely Balanced Yin-Yang Acupuncture and Luan's Three-Needle Technique, show significant efficacy when integrated with rehabilitation for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity.
- Further high-quality RCTs are needed to validate these findings.
