ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of proximal needling at Tianzhu (BL10) plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone on the lower-limb motor function and walking function in cerebral stroke patients.Method A hundred cerebral stroke patients were randomized into a rehabilitation group and a proximal needling group. The rehabilitation group was intervened by balance training and conventional rehabilitation exercises; the proximal needling group was intervened by proximal needling at Tianzhu plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone in addition to the treatment given to the rehabilitation group. The interventions weregiven once a day, 5 times a week, successively for 4 weeks. Prior to the intervention and after 4-week treatment, the lower-limb motor function and walking function were estimated by using lower-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), time taken for 10-meter walk, and Holden's Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC).Result After 4-week treatment, the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC were significantly enhanced in both groups compared to the indexes prior to the treatment (P<0.01); the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC in the proximal needling group were significantly superior to those in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05).Conclusion In addition to conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture, proximal needling at Tianzhuplus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone can increasethe lower-limb motor function score and promote the activities of daily life in cerebral stroke patients; it can also strengthen the security in walking and keep the patients from falling down.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at the nine acupoints on nape in treating vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI). Methods Totally 100 VBI patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 50 in each group. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Tianzhu (BL 10), and Jiaji (EX-B 2, C3);while the control group was by oral administration of Nimodipine tablets. The parameters in Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Dizziness Assessment Rating Scale (ADRS) were observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies were compared. Results The TCD parameters were significantly changed in the treatment group after intervention (P<0.05). The TCD parameters [Vs (RVA), Vd (BA, LVA), Vm (BA, RVA), PI (BA)] were significantly changed in the control group after intervention (P<0.05). After intervention, there were significant differences in comparing the TCD parameters [Vs (BA, LVA, RVA), Vd (BA, RVA), Vm (BA, LVA), PI (BA)] between the two groups (P<0.05). The DARS average scores were significantly changed in both groups after 7-day treatment (P<0.01). The DARS average scores after the whole intervention were significantly different from that after 7-day treatment in both groups (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the DARS average scores between the two groups after 7-day intervention and after the whole intervention (P<0.01). The recovery-markedly effective rate and total effective rate were respectively 76.0%and 98.0%in the treatment group versus 44.0%and 96.0%in the control group, and there was a significant difference in comparing the recovery-markedly effective rate (P<0.05). Conclusions Acupuncture at the nine nape acupoints is an effective method in treating VBI.