Interactive scalp acupuncture combined with suspension digital occupational therapy for upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke: a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effects of interactive scalp acupuncture on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group(60 cases, 2 cases dropped out)and a control group(60 cases, 1 case dropped out). Both groups were treated with routine medication and rehabilitation. The observation group was treated with interactive scalp acupuncture combined with suspension digital occupational therapy, interactive scalp acupuncture was applied at middle 2/5 of the parietal and temporal anterior oblique line, middle 2/5 of the parietal and temporal posterior oblique line and second lateral line of parietal of the hemiparalysis contralateral side, 30 min each time.The control group was treated with suspension digital occupational therapy alone. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks in the two groups. The scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment scale of upper extremity(FMA-UE), action research arm test(ARAT), the modified Barthel index (MBI) and surface electromyography(sEMG)signal of the biceps and triceps on the affected side were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTS: After treatment, the FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups( P <0.05), the changes of the observation group were greater than those in the control group( P <0.05). After treatment, the integrated electromyography(iEMG)value and root mean square(RMS)value of the biceps and triceps on the affected side during elbow flexion and extension were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups( P <0.05), the changes of the observation group were greater than those in the control group( P <0.05). The total effective rate was 94.8%(55/58) in the observation group, which was higher than 83.1%(49/59) in the control group( P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Interactive scalp acupuncture could improve upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke.