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Systematic review and network meta-analysis of optimal acupuncture modalities for post-stroke upper limb motor
Hanyi Ye1, Sulin Tang1, Yijun Li1
1Department of Acupuncture, The Affiliated Yangming Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Combination acupuncture therapies show promise for improving motor function and daily living activities, with optimal choices varying by treatment duration. Acupuncture is best used as an adjunctive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Motor dysfunction and impaired activities of daily living are common sequelae requiring effective treatment.
- Acupuncture modalities are explored for their potential to improve outcomes in patients with motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess optimal acupuncture modalities for improving motor function (MF), activities of daily living (ADL), and spasticity.
- To identify the most effective acupuncture combinations and durations for specific outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 103 studies involving 9,351 patients.
- Searched eight databases and assessed study quality using Cochrane RoB 2.0.
- Data analyzed using R 4.4.2 and Stata 15.
Main Results:
- Conventional physical therapy plus body acupuncture and electroacupuncture (CP_BA_EA) was most effective for improving MF (> one month treatment).
- Traditional Chinese medicine with a new minimally invasive acupuncture method (CM_NM) was beneficial for MF (≤ one month treatment).
- Specific combinations of acupuncture and physical therapy were optimal for enhancing ADL and reducing upper limb hypertonia, depending on treatment duration.
Conclusions:
- No single acupuncture monotherapy effectively addresses upper limb motor dysfunction; combination therapies show promise.
- Optimal acupuncture interventions are dependent on treatment duration and specific outcomes.
- Acupuncture should be considered an adjunctive therapy, not an independent treatment, due to methodological limitations and cautious guideline stances.
