[Improvement of Upper Limb and Hand Functions of Stroke Patients by Balancing Acupuncture Combined with Motor Relearning Training].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training for upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients.

METHODS: Sixty-two stroke patients were randomly divided into balance acupuncture group ( n ＝31) and routine acupuncture group ( n ＝31). For patients of the balance acupuncture group, Piantan, Jiantong and Wantong points on the healthy side were used. When Jiantong point taken, the acupuncture needle was removed after the patient experienced an electric shock-like spreading needling sensation. When Wantong point employed, the needle was removed after the patient experienced a local, intensified or spreading needling sensation. When Piantan point used, the needle was retained after the patient experienced an electric shock-like needling sensation, then, the motor relearning training was conducted, and the needle was removed immediately after the training. For patients of the routine acupuncture group, Jianyu(LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), etc. were needled with the needles retained for 30 min after getting needling sensations. The motor relearning training was also carried out after removal of the needle. The treatment in both groups was performed once daily, 6 days a week, and lasted for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer score and motor function scale (MAS) of the upper limb, and the fine performance score and motor function score of the hand were assessed before and after the treatment.

RESULTS: Following treatment, the Fugl-Meyer score and MAS of the upper limbs, and the motor function score and fine performance score of the hand were significantly increased in both groups compared with pre-treatment in each group ( P <0.05 ), suggesting a functional improvement of both upper limb and hand. The therapeutic effect of the balance acupuncture was obviously superior to that of routine acupuncture in improving functions of both the upper limb and hand ( P <0.05)．.

CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training is helpful to improve the comprehensive function of the upper limb and hand in stroke patients.