Treatment of 40 Cases of Poststroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome by Acupuncture

Acupuncture and rehabilitation therapies were used to treat 40 cases of shoulder-hand syndrome, the results show that integration of acupuncture and rehabilitation can increase therapeutic effects and shorten treatment courses to accelerate recovery.

Muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting in the treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke

Objective To observe the effect of muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting in improving nail fold microcirculation in the patients with shoulder-hand syndrome(SHS)after stroke,and the effects on hemorrheology,calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and serum substance P(SP).Methods A total of 72 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 36 cases in each group.The control group was treated with physical rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with additional muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment.The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.The changes in shoulder-hand syndrome scale(SHSS),simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity(FMA-UE),visual analog scale(VAS),activities of daily living(ADL),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,nail fold microcirculation hemorheology indictors[whole blood viscosity(high-shear,low-shear),hematocrit,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)],CGRP and SP levels were observed.Results The total effective rate in the observation group was 86.1%,higher than 63.9%in the control group(P<0.05).The overall curative effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of pain sensation,edema,external turn and rotation of the arm in SHSS,and the total score were significantly decreased in both groups(all P<0.05),and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(all P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in both groups decreased significantly(all P<0.05),and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL increased significantly(all P<0.05).The scores of VAS and TCM syndrome in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05),and the scores of FMA-UE and ADL were higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05).After treatment,the whole blood viscosity(high-shear and low-shear)and hematocrit in both groups decreased obviously(all P<0.05),and ESR increased obviously(both P<0.05),and the whole blood viscosity(high-shear and low-shear)and hematocrit in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05),and ESR was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the peritubular state,loop shape,blood flow and total score of nail fold microcirculation in both groups decreased significantly(all P<0.05),and each score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(all P<0.05).After treatment,SP in both groups decreased obviously(both P<0.05),CGRP increased obviously(both P<0.05),and SP in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),CGRP was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional physical rehabilitation training,muscle regions of meridians warm needling method plus pricking Jing-Well points for blood-letting treatment can significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of SHS,promote the recovery of physical functions,improve the nail fold microcirculation and hemorrheology indictors,and regulate the serum cytokine levels such as CGRP and SP.

Clinical Study on Puncturing Renying （ST 9） to Treat Poststroke Dysphagia

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of puncturing Renying （ST 9） in the treatment of poststroke dysphagia. Methods： Sixty cases of poststroke dysphagia were randomized into two groups, a control group in which 30 cases were given rehabilitation training, and a treatment group in which 30 cases were treated by puncturing Renying （ST 9） and rehabilitation training, with a course of four weeks. Results： The total effective rate for dysphagia was higher in the treatment group than in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Puncturing Renying （ST 9） is quite effective for poststroke dysphagia.

Effect of warm joint needling plus rehabilitation on the balance function and quality of life of patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke

Objective： To observe the effect of warm joint needling plus rehabilitation techniques on the balance function and quality of life （QOL） of patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke. Methods： Ninety patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke were randomized into a rehabilitation group, a warm joint needling group and an observation group, with 30 cases in each group. The rehabilitation group was intervened by Bobath therapy, the warm joint needling group was treated with joint needling on the affected side plus warm needling, and the observation group was given the same rehabilitation treatment as the rehabilitation group together with the same warm joint needling as the warm joint needling group. The three groups were treated once another day, 1 month as a treatment course for 6 months. Before the treatment, and respectively after 2-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month treatment, the modified Ashworth scale （MAS） was used to measure the anti-spasm ability of the lower limb, the Berg balance scale （BBS） was adopted to evaluate the balance function, and the stroke-specific quality of life scale （SS-QOL） was employed to estimate the QOL. Results： After 3-month and 6-month treatment, the lower-limb MAS scores in the observation group were significantly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group （all P〈0.05）. After 1-month, B-month and 6-month treatment, the BBS scores in the observation group were significantly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group （all P〈0.05）. After 2-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month treatment, the SS-QOL scores in the observation group were markedly better than those in the rehabilitation group and the warm joint needling group （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Warm joint needling plus rehabilitation can effectively improve the lower-limb spasticity state, balance function and QOL in patients with spastic hemiplegia after ischemic cerebral stroke.

Clinical observation on acupuncture plus motor therapy for postapoplectic spastic hemiplegia

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus motor therapy for postapoplectic spastic hemiplegia and provide reference for rehabilitation care of patients with spastic hemiplegia after stroke. Methods： A total of 87 cases with postapoplectic spastic hemiplegia were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group. Patients in both groups received basic treatments to control blood pressure, blood sugar, blood fat and improve circulation. The 43 cases in the treatment group received acupuncture combined with motor therapy, whereas the 44 cases in the control group received motor therapy alone（same as the treatment group）. The treatment was conducted once a day, for a total of 3 sessions. One session consisted of 10 times and there was a 1-day interval between two sessions. Then the changes in modified Ashworth scale（MAS） score and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale（FMA） score and clinical efficacy were observed. Results： After treatment, the MAS scores were significantly decreased in both groups, showing intra-group statistical differences（P〈0.01）. The MAS score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group, showing a between-group statistical difference（P〈0.01）. The total effective rate was 69.8% in the treatment group, versus 45.5% in the control group, showing a between-group statistical difference（P〈0.05）. After treatment, the FMA scores were significantly increased in both groups, showing intra-group statistical differences（P〈0.01）; and the FMA score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group, showing a between-group statistical difference（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture combined with motor therapy is better than motor therapy alone in alleviating postapoplectic limb spasticity, improving the limb motor function and increasing the activities of daily living（ADL）.

Acupuncture therapy on apoplectic aphasia rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE:Acupuncture has often been used for aphasia rehabilitation in China.The purpose of this paper was to:1) provide a historic overview of acupuncture for aphasia due to stroke;2) summarize the commonly used acupuncture approaches;and 3) objectively comment on the effectiveness of acupuncture for the rehabilitation of this type of disorder.METHODS:The Elsevier database and a Chinese database(CNKI) were searched through December,2010 with the key words "aphasia,acupuncture" in English and Chinese,respectively.Case reports,uncontrolled clinical observations and controlled clinical trials were all included if acupuncture was the sole treatment or the main component of complex intervention for the rehabilitation of aphasia caused by cerebrovascular disease.RESULTS:More than 100 relevant articles were found.After analyzing these articles,we found that acupuncture for apoplectic aphasia most often included tongue,scalp,body and combination acupuncture.Tongue bleeding,deep insertion and strong stimulation were adopted by many practitioners.The ten most frequently used acupoints(or areas) were Lianquan(RN 23),Jinjin(EX-HN 12),Yuye(EX-HN 13),Tongli(HT 5),Fengchi(GB 20),Neiguan(PC 6),Baihui(DU 20),No.1,2 and 3 language sections,Sanyinjiao(SP 6) and Yamen(DU 15).CONCLUSIONS:Controlled clinical studies and a systematic literature review demonstrate that acupuncture has therapeutic effects on aphasia after stroke.

Applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians for post-stroke upper limb spasticity

Objective： To observe the effect of applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians for post-stroke upper limb spasticity. Methods： A total of 150 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity were randomly allocated into a treatment group （n=75） and a control group （n=75） by the random number table. Patients in the treatment group received tuina on exterior-interiorly connected meridians, whereas patients in the control group received standard rehabilitation therapy. The therapeutic efficacies in both groups were observed after 3 weeks of treatment. Results： The total effective rate in the treatment group was 89.3%, versus 61.3% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. After the treatment, the muscle tones by the modified Ashworth scale （MAS） were significantly improved in both groups （both P〈0.05）; and the improvement of muscle tone was more significant in the treatment group than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians can obtain an exact efficacy for post-stroke upper limb spasticity.

Effect of acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan on the recovery of neurological function and depression state in post-stroke depression patients

Objective：To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan （Tai Chi） in recovering the neurological function and treating depression state in post-stroke depression patients,together with a 12-month follow-up.Methods：A total of 105 eligible post-stroke depression patients were randomized into an acupuncture plus Tai Ji group （53 cases） and a control group （52 cases） based on their visiting sequence.The patients all received routine treatment and rehabilitation training for stroke.In addition,the control group was given oral administration of citalopram hydrobromide tablets,1 month as a course of treatment,for 3 courses in total.Meanwhile,the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group received acupuncture and practiced Tai Ji Quan,for 1 month and 12 months respectively.Before the intervention,after 1-month intervention and 12 months later,the National Institute of Health stroke scale （NIHSS）,Barthel index （BI） and Hamilton depression rating scale （HAMD） were adopted for efficacy evaluation.Results：Prior to the intervention,there were no significant differences in HAMD,NIHSS and BI scores between the two groups （all P〉0.05）;after 1-month intervention,there were significant between-group differences in NIHSS,BI and HAMD scores （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）;the 12-month follow-up revealed significant between-group differences in NIHSS,BI and HAMD scores （all P〈0.01）.In the treatment of stroke,the total effective rate was 84.4% in the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group,significantly higher than 68.9% in the control group （P〈0.05）;in the treatment of depression,the total effective rate was 86.7% in the acupuncture plus Tai Ji group,significantly higher than 77.8% in the control group （P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Acupuncture plus Tai Ji Quan can produce a significant efficacy in improving the limb motor function and depression in post-stroke depression patients.

Clinical observation of tuina plus rehabilitation therapy for lower limb extensor spasticity in recovery stage of stroke

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation in the treatment of lower limb extensor spasticity during stroke recovery. Methods: A total of 93 stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. Forty-four patients in the observation group were treated with traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation, and 49 patients in the control group were treated with modern rehabilitation. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the knee extensors state, lower limb motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) of the two groups. Results: After treatment, the overall efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the MAS scores of both groups were significantly lower, FMA and MBI scores were significantly higher, and the differences were statistically significant in each group (P<0.01). After treatment, the MAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, and the differenee between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The MBI score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the differenee between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the post-treatment changes in MAS, FMA and MBI scores between the two groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Traditional tuina plus modern rehabilitation therapy can effectively alleviate or prevent lower limb extensor spasticity after stroke, and improve limb mobility and ADL. Hence, it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Brief introduction to Professor Gao Wei-bin's needling technique of ‘Ten Acupuncture Skills'

‘Ten Acupuncture Skills＇ refers to ten types of needling techniques for difficult and intractable neurological diseases. It has been summarized by Prof. Gao Wei-bin, a famous traditional Chinese medicine expert in China, based upon his clinical experience for years, including neck acupuncture for bulbar palsy, neck acupuncture for laryngeal muscular paralysis, stuck needling technique for ocular muscular paralysis, electric field therapy at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for incomplete spinal paraplegia, electroacupuncture（EA） for urination disorder, electric neck acupuncture for waking up and treating various cerebral and nuchal diseases, EA at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for intractable hiccup, EA at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for cervical and lumbar spondylopathy, antagonistic EA for post-apoplectic hemiplegia, and EA for facial paralysis. The ten acupuncture skills are summarized in order to guide the clinical application.

Therapeutic observation of Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training for pharyngeal deglutition disorder after stroke

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training in treating pharyngeal deglutition disorder after stroke. Methods: One hundred patients with post-stroke pharyngeal deglutition disorder were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, with 50 cases in each group. The two groups both received routine neurological intervention. In addition, the treatment group was given Gao's nape acupuncture plus swallowing training, while the control group was intervened by swallowing training alone. After eight-week treatment, the two groups were observed in terms of the changes in repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST), modified water swallowing test (MWST), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL). The clinical efficacies of the two groups were also compared. Results: After treatment, the RSST grading, and scores of MWST, SSA and SWAL-QOL changed significantly in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The RSST grading, and scores of MWSX SSA and SWAL-QOL in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The total effective rate and markedly effective rate were respectively 100.0% and 72.3% in the treatment group, versus 97.9% and 34.0% in the control group. There was a significant differenee in the markedly effective rate between the two groups (P<0.01). The differenee in the clinical efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). Con elusion: Gao's n ape acupu ncture plus swallowi ng training is an effective approach for post-stroke phary ngeal deglutiti on disorder. Its therapeutic efficacy is more significant than that of swallowing training alone.

Observation on mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus for deglutition disorder of stroke patients in the convalescent stage

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus for deglutition disorder of stroke patients in convalescence stage. Methods： A total of 136 patients conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups by the random number table, including group A of 46 cases, group B of 44 cases and group C of 46 cases. Patients in group A received swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment, patients in group B received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method treatment, and patients in group C received mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method plus swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus treatment. The treatment was given once a day for 10 d as a course, the whole treatment lasted for 4 courses. Therapeutic evaluation items including water-swallowing test （WST）, standardized swallowing assessment （SSA） and modified Barthel index （MBI） were measured before treatment, after treatment and at follow-up visit （2 months after treatment）. Results： After treatment, scores of WST and MBI in all three groups increased significantly （all P〈0.05）, while the SSA score dropped significantly （all P〈0.05）. After treatment and during follow-up visit period, score of WST in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and group B （both P〈0.05）, while the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance （P〉0.05）; the SSA score in group C was substantially lower than that in group A and group B （all P〈0.05）, the difference between group A and group B showed no statistical significance （P〉0.05）; the MBI scores in group B and group C were substantially higher than that in group A （all P〈0.05）, the difference between group B and group C showed no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. After treatment and during follow-up visit period, the differences in overall therapeutic effect between group A and group B showed no statistical significance （P〉0.05）, while the overall therapeutic effect in group C was substantially better than that in group A and group B （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Both mind-refreshing and orifice-opening needling method and swallowing disorder therapeutic apparatus can alleviate symptoms of deglutition disorder of stroke patients respectively, and the combination of two methods can improve the therapeutic effect.

Treatment of Swallowing Dysfunction after Cerebral Apoplexy by Acupuncture:A Report of 56 Cases

Fifty-six patients with swallowing dysfunction after cerebral apoplexy were treated by acupuncture and swallowing function training. The curative effect is satisfactory and the total effective rate was 96.4%.

Effect of long-time needle retaining at Baihui(GV 20) on cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of long-time needle retaining at Baihui（GV 20） in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment. Methods： A total of 60 eligible patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by random digital table, 30 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by basic treatment including routine therapy in Neurology department and Western medicine rehabilitation therapy, while the treatment group was intervened by same treatment in the control group combined with long-time needle retaining at Baihui（GV 20）. Mental state of patients was evaluated by National Institute of Health stroke scale（NIHSS） and mini-mental state examination（MMSE） after 4 weeks of treatment. Results： After 4-week treatment, the NIHSS score dropped in both groups, and intra-group comparisons showed statistical significances（both P〈0.05）, and the score in the treatment group was statistically lower than that in the control group（P〈0.01）; the MMSE score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group, there was a statistical inter-group difference（P〈0.01）; the total effective rate was 93.3%, and the marked effective rate was 50.0% in the treatment group, versus 76.7% and 20.0% in the control group, there were significant differences in the total effective rate and the marked effective rate between the two groups（all P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Long-time needle retaining at Baihui（GV 20） can produce a safe valid therapeutic efficacy in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Effects of Tuina combined with graded motor imagery on the upper-limb motor function and quality of life of patients with hemiplegia after stroke

Objective:To observe the effects of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)combined with graded motor imagery(GMI)on the upper-limb motor function and quality of life(QOL)in patients with poststroke hemiplegia.Methods:A total of 216 patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke were randomized into two groups by tossing a coin,with 108 cases in each group.The control group was treated with GMI,and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment for four weeks in total.Before and after the treatment,the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity(FMA-UE),supper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging,box and block test(BBT)for hand,co-contraction ratio(CR)of the upper-limb muscles,visual analog scale(VAS)for shoulder pain,modified Ashworth scale(MAS),modified Barthel index(MBI),and short-form 36-item health survey(SF-36)were adopted for observation of the two groups.Results:After the treatment,the scores of FMA-UE,upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging,hand BBT,MBI,and SF-36 increased(P<0.05),and the CR of biceps brachii at flexion,the CR of triceps brachii at extension,and the scores of VAS and MAS decreased in both groups(P<0.05).The scores of FMA-UE,upper-limb/hand Brunnstrom staging,and hand BBT were higher in the observation group than in the control group after the intervention(P<0.05);the CR of biceps brachii at flexion and the CR of triceps brachii at extension were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the scores of MBI and SF-36 were higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the scores of VAS and MAS were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Tuina combined with GMI can produce more significant effects in improving the upper-limb motor function and QOL in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

Effect of row needling in muscle regions combined with seven-star needle tapping on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity

Objective：To observe the effect of row needling in muscle regions combined with seven-star needle tapping on cognitive function and quality of life （QOL） in patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity. Methods： A total of 448 eligible cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group, 244 in each group. Based on standard conventional treatment, cases in the treatment group received row needling in muscle regions combined with seven-star needle tapping, whereas cases in the control group took oral Western medication. After 3 weeks of treatment, the cognitive functions were assessed using comprehensive functional assessment （CFA） and mini-mental state examination （MMSE）. The O,OL was evaluated using the Chinese-version 36-item short-form health survey （SF-36）. Results： After treatment, the CFA and MMSE scores were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.05）; and there were between-group statistical differences （P〈0.05）, showing a better effect in the treatment group than that in the control group. In addition, there were between-group statistical significances in scores of QOL （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Row needling in muscle regions combined with seven-star needle tapping can significantly improve the cognitive function and O, OL of patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity.

Progress of Acupuncture and Tuina for Shoulder Joint Subluxation Following Apoplexy

The treatments of shoulder joint subluxation following apoplexy with acupuncture, tuina, acupoint injection, and comprehensive methods in recent 10 years were reviewed. By comparing and analyzing the clinical effects of different methods, acupuncture combing with rehabilitation therapy is considered as a satisfactory one in treating subluxation following apoplexy.

Effects of acupuncture plus language training on language function and cerebral blood flow in patients with motor aphasia after ischemic stroke

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints plus language training on the language function and cerebral blood flow in patients with motor aphasia after ischemic stroke.Methods:Eighty-six patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group,with 43 cases in each group.Conventional symptomatic treatment was offered to both groups.Besides,the control group received language training,while the observation group received language training plus additional acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints.Before and after treatment,the aphasia battery of Chinese(ABC)and Chinese functional communication profile(CFCP)were tested,and the mean velocity(Vm)and resistance index(Rl)of the left middle cerebral artery(MCA)were detected.Results:The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group gained higher scores in oral expression,comprehension,repeating,naming objects,reading,and writing,as well as the general score of ABC(all P<0.Q5)f higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The CFCP score increased in both groups after intervention,showing significant intra-group differences(both P<0.05),and the CFCP score was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,Vm of the left side MCA in creased in the con trol group(P<0.05),while no significant change was observed in Rl(P>0.05);in the observation group,Vm of the left side MCA increased and Rl decreased signfiicantly compared with the baseline(both P<0.05),and were markedly different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture at the Governor Vessel acupoints plus language training can produce valid efficacy in treating motor aphasia after ischemic stroke;it can notably improve the language function,everyday oral communication ability,and in crease cere bral perfusion of the patients.

Clinical observation on acupoint massage plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation for deglutition disorder after stroke

Objective:To observe the effect of acupoint massage plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation on deglutition function and surface electromyography(SEMG)of deglutition muscle groups.Methods:A total of 60 patients with deglutition disorder after stroke were selected and divided into an electrical stimulation group,a massage group and an integrated group according to the random number table method,with 20 cases in each group.Patients in these three groups were given the same routine rehabilitation training for deglutition.In addition,patients in the electrical stimulation group were given extra Vitalstim electrical stimulation,patients in the massage group were given extra acupoint massage on the head,face and neck,and patients in the integrated group were given extra acupoint massage plus Vitalstim electrical stimulation.Fujishima Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)was scored before and after treatment.The swallowing duration and maximal amplitude of masseter muscle in SEMG were evaluated before and after treatment.Results:After treatment,the FILS score and the maximal amplitude of recruitment potential generated by muscular contraction of masseter muscle group in the three groups were higher than those before treatment(all P<0.05),and the swallowing duration of masseter muscle group was shortened compared with that in the same group before treatment(all P<0.05).After treatment,the FILS score in the integrated group was higher than that in the electrical stimulation group and the massage group(both P<0.05).The swallowing duration of masseter muscle group measured by SEMG was lower than that in the electrical stimulation group and the massage group(both P<0.05),while the maximal amplitude was higher than that of the electrical stimulation group and the massage group(P<0.05).After treatment,there were no significant differences in the FILS score,swallowing duration and maximal amplitude of masseter muscle group between the electrical stimulation group and the massage group(all P>0.05).Conclusion:Both acupoint massage and electrical stimulation can improve the deglutition function in patients with deglutition disorder after stroke,and improve the coordination and flexibility of masseter muscle.The integration of the two is more effective.

Clinical Observation of Electroacupuncture in Treating Spastic Paralysis Following Cerebral Infarction

To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating spastic paralysis following cerebral infarction. Methods： Sixty patients with spastic paralysis after cerebral infarction were randomly allocated into control group and treatment group, 30 cases each. The control group was treated with conventional acupuncture and the treatment group was treated with conventional acupuncture plus electroacupuncture according to the principle of antagonistic acupuncture. Both groups were given routine drugs and scalp acupuncture treatment. Results： Statistical analysis showed significant differences in NFI score and clinical curative effect score between pretreatment and posttreatment in the treatment and control groups and between the treatment and control groups. Conclusion： Both electroacupuncture and conventional acupuncture have clinical curative effect on spastic paralysis following cerebral infarction, but the curative effect of electroacupuncture is significantly superior to that of conventional acupuncture.