Effect of flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion on upper limb dysfunction after stroke

Objective:The objective of the study is to explore the effect of flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke.Materials and Methods:This randomized,single‑blind,controlled trial included 140 patients with stroke.According to the random number table,the patients were divided into four groups:the control group(receiving conventional nursing alone),the intervention group 1(receiving conventional nursing combined with flapping‑meridians),the intervention group 2(receiving conventional nursing combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion),and the intervention group 3(receiving conventional nursing,flapping‑meridians,and thunder‑fire moxibustion).All four groups were intervened 4 weeks,6 days a week.The outcome indicators(Fugl‑Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity and body mass index of shoulder abduction,elbow extension,and wrist flexion)were assessed at the beginning and the end of treatment.Results:The effect of the intervention group 3 was better than that of the intervention group 2,intervention group 1,and control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion can significantly improve the upper limb motor function and muscle strength of stroke patients with hemiplegia,and its effect is better than that of single treatment.