Additional therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation for patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke
Journal
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Journal Volume
39
Journal Issue
3
Pages
205-211
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the additional therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture for patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled study. Subjects: A total of 63 patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke. Methods: The study and control groups underwent a conventional rehabilitation program, with the former receiving an additional 8 courses of electroacupuncture over a period of one month. Therapeutic effects were assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor performance and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM?) for the independence of functional performance at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, and 3 months and 6 months after stroke. Results: For total Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, improvement was more significant for the study group relative to the control group at 2 weeks (16.2 vs 10.6; p = 0.047) and 4 weeks after treatment (27.4 vs 17.1; p = 0.005), and at 3 months after the stroke (34.7 vs 21.8; p = 0.009). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores improved significantly, especially in upper-limb motor function for the study group. There was no statistically significant between-group difference in total FIM? score improvement. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can improve motor function, especially in upper-limb motor function, for patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke. ? 2007 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; arm movement; article; cerebrovascular accident; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; electroacupuncture; female; Functional Independence Measure; human; major clinical study; male; motor performance; occupational therapy; physical performance; physiotherapy; randomized controlled trial; cerebrovascular accident; daily life activity; electroacupuncture; follow up; middle aged; motor activity; outcome assessment; pathophysiology; psychological aspect; psychomotor performance; treatment outcome; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cerebrovascular Accident; Electroacupuncture; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Psychomotor Performance; Treatment Outcome
Type
journal article