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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral palsy-related speech impairment.Methods:A systematic literature search of 7 electronic databases was conducted between January 7,2000 and January 12,2021 to find randomized controlled trials(RCTs)examining the benefits of acupuncture-moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training to cerebral palsy-induced speech impairment.The included trials'quality was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers'Handbook as a guide,and statistical analysis was carried out using the RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 17 RCTs with 1238 subjects were finally recruited and analyzed.When acupuncture-moxibustion was combined with rehabilitation training,the results showed a considerable improvement in speech impairment compared with the rehabilitation training alone.The most commonly used points for the treatment of speech disorders are Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen[Shenting(GV24)and bilateral Benshen(GB13)],Niesanzhen[2 Cun above the ear tip as the first point,with 1.0 Cun anterior and posterior to the current point as the second and third points],and Sishenzhen[1.5 Cun anterior,posterior,and bilateral to Baihui(GV20)].Conclusion:Acupuncture-moxibustion has a stronger effect on children's development of receptive and expressive language,as well as the developmental quotient.Acupuncture-moxibustion in combination with rehabilitation training is not only more successful than the control treatment,but also safer and more dependable.Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen,Niesanzhen,and Sishenzhen are the most widely used points for speech impediment.
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Objective: To compare the effect of scalp acupuncture and scalp acupuncture plus acupuncture exercise therapy (AET) on walking ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A total of 60 spastic CP children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) grades Ⅰ-Ⅲ were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with the same conventional rehabilitation and scalp acupuncture therapy for CP. The control group received conventional rehabilitation first and then scalp acupuncture. The observation group received AET, which was to receive the conventional rehabilitation and scalp acupuncture simultaneously. Before and after treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score, scores of dimensions D and E of the gross motor function measure (GMFM) scale, walking speed, and walking distance. Results: During treatment, there were 2 dropouts in the observation group. After 3 courses of treatment, the MAS scores in both the control group and observation group decreased compared with the same group before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of dimensions D and E of the GMFM, walking speed, and walking distance were increased (P<0.05); the between-group comparison showed that the MAS score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of dimensions D and E of the GMFM, walking speed, and walking distance in the observation group were higher or longer than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: W ith the same treatments, scalp acupuncture combined with AET is superior to the conventional scalp acupuncture method in reducing lower-limb muscle tone, improving standing balance ability, and walking stability in children with spastic CP.
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Objective: To observe the efficacy of long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training in improving upper- extremity dysfunction in cerebral stroke patients. Methods: Ninety-five patients with upper-extremity dysfunction after cerebral stroke were randomized into two groups, with 48 cases in the treatment group and 47 cases in the control group. Conventional internal medicine treatment was offered to both groups. In both groups, Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 6, the middle 2/5) and Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 7, the middle 2/5) were selected from the same side of the brain lesion (the side apposing to the hemiplegic limb) for scalp acupuncture treatment. In the treatment group, the scalp acupuncture needles were retained for 7 h, in combination with interactive training, while the needles were also retained for 7 h in the control group but without interactive training. Prior to treatment and at 2-week and 4-week treatment, the two groups were scored using the functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity-Hong Kong (FTHUE-HK) and simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE). Results: The total effective rate was 97.9％ in the treatment group, higher than 74.5％ in the control group (P<0.01). The FTHUE-HK score was higher at 2-week and 4-week treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FTHUE-HK score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FTHUE-HK score was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (both P<0.05). During the whole treatment process, the treatment group had higher FTHUE-HK scores compared with the control group, but there was no statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week treatment (P>0.05), while the between-group difference in the change of the score was statistically significant at 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The FMA-UE score was higher at 2-week and 4-weeks treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FMA-UE score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FMA-UE was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). The FMA-UE score rose gradually with the increase of treatment session, and there was statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week and 4-week treatment, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training results in more significant efficacy than long-retaining scalp acupuncture alone in improving the upper-limb dysfunction after cerebral stroke and the advantage becomes more notable after 2-week consecutive treatment.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Jin's three-needle therapy on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and the effect on neuroelectrophysiology (event-related potentials). Methods: A total of 60 PSCI patients were selected and divided into a treatment group and a control group according to the method of random number table, with 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group received routine treatment while the patients in the treatment group received additional Jin's three-needle therapy. The treatment for both groups lasted four weeks. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores as well as amplitude and latency of potential 300 (P300) were adopted to compare the between-group results before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, there were no significant differences (all P>0.05) in MMSE and MoCA scores, P300 latency and P300 amplitude between the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, the MMSE and MoCA scores and P300 amplitudes were improved in both groups, and the P300 latencies became shorter. The results showed significant intra-group and between-group differences (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the routine treatment, Jin's three-needle therapy is effective for PSCI. The mechanism is probably through its regulation on the patients' neuroelectrophysiology.
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Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on children with cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 68 children with cerebral palsy who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups, 34 in each group. The control group was treated with Bobath therapy combined with Vojta therapy for rehabilitation training, while the observation group was treated with acupuncture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. Modified Ashworth method was used to assess the muscular tension of lower limbs, the gross motor function scale was used to assess the gross motor function, and the Fugl-Meyer motor function evaluation method was used to evaluate the limb motor function of children. And the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and creatine kinase brain isoenzyme (CK-BB) were detected by ELISA. Results After treatment, the muscle tension score (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.4, t=4.108) in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, while the GMFM score (55.7 ± 13.7 vs. 37.8±11.4, t=5.881) significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The serum VEGF (145.67 ± 19.78 ng/L vs. 171.35 ± 22.54 ng/L, t=4.993) in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The levels of CK-BB (71.46 ± 17.62 U/L vs. 95.76 ± 19.65 U/L, t=5.368) in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 94.1% (32/34) in the observation group and 73.5% (25/34) in the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups (χ2=5.314, P=0.021). Conclusions Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can improve the muscle tension and gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy, reduce the levels of VEGF and CK-BB in serum of children with cerebral palsy, and improve the clinical effect.
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Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture therapy on sleep quality after drug withdrawal symptoms and long-term recurrence in patients with depression. Methods A total of 70 depression patients were retrospectively analyzed, according to the withdrawal method is divided into two groups, each group of 35 cases. The incidence of drug withdrawal syndrome in the two groups was observed and the success rate of drug withdrawal was calculated. The recurrence rate of depression in the two groups within one year after drug withdrawal, and the sleep quality were observed. The degree of depressive symptoms were assessed. Results The incidence of drug withdrawal syndrome were 11.4% in the observation group and 31.4% in the control group, which the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.158, P=0.041). The rate of recurrence of depression was 9.7% in the observation group and 41.7% in the control group, which the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (χ2=7.669, P=0.006). After 1 year the drug was stopped, the sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime function and hypnotic drug score and total scores of PSQI of the observation group were significantly increased (P<0.01). And the PSQI at different time frames were significantly lower than those of the control group (t value were 2.888, 2.329, 2.092, 2.535, 9.951, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The HAMD score of the observation group 1 week after drug withdrawal and 1 year after drug withdrawal was significantly lower than those of the control group (t value were 9.271, 14.238, P<0.05). Conclusions The acupuncture therapy can improve the sleep quality of patients with mild and moderate depression after drug withdrawal, and reduce the incidence of drug withdrawal syndrome, and the risk of long-term recurrence.
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Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of "Zhishen-Tiaosui" acupuncture treatment for the stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect. Methods A total of 66 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups, 33 in each group. The control group was treated with conventional body acupuncture, and the treatment group was treated with Zhishen-Tiaosui acupuncture treatment. Both groups were treated for 20 days and followed up for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was used to assess limb motor function, and the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) was used to assess the daily living ability and the extent of unilateral spatial neglect. The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) assesses the ability of daily living and evaluates clinical outcomes. Results After treatment, FMA (39.21 ± 8.96 vs. 26.34 ± 8.06, t=6.135), MBI (49.62 ± 10.19 vs. 40.18 ± 9.52, t=5.919) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), CBS (9.55 ± 4.68 vs. 18.20 ± 6.97, t=3.889) were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Treatment group brain regions in the left frontal back, the left inferior frontal gyrus, left occipital in back to back to back to before the left temporal and temporal, left and right side of the anterior cingulate, back in the right frontal, cingulate gyrus of the left side, left precuneus activation intensity were significantly higher than the control group (t=4.615, 3.052, 3.644, 3.575, 3.152, 2.816, 2.579, 3.511, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 78.8% (26/33) in the treatment group and 54.5% (18/33) in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=5.657, P=0.017). Conclusions The Zhishen-Tiaosui can improve the blood circulation of the brain in the unilateral space of the stroke, enhance the cognitive function and exercise capacity, and improve the daily living ability.
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Objective To observe the effect of Yiqi-Yangyin-Quyu decoction combined with acupuncture on serum homocystine level and blood coagulation function of patients with cerebral infarction in convalescent period. Methods A total of 80 patients with cerebral infarction convalescence were divided into the observation group and the control group according to the random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given routine treatment of western medicine. Based on this, the observation group was treated with Yiqi-Yangyin-Quyu decoction combined with acupuncture. After 4 weeks of treatment, the Barthel index (BI), neurological impairment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the level of homocystine (HCY) and blood coagulation function index of plasma prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB)] of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 90.0％ (36/40), while the total effective rate of the control group was 70.0％ (28/40). The total effective rate of the 2 groups was statistically significant (Z=-3.184, P=0.004). After treatment, the NIHSS score of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and the BI score of the observation group were higher than those of the control group(t value were 4.528, 4.337, P<0.05). After treatment, the content of CRP (9.25 ± 1.21 mg/L vs. 15.24 ± 1.74 mg/L, t=4.905) and HCY (12.59 ± 2.05 μmol/L vs. 16.52 ± 2.05 μmol/L, t=4.821) of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the level of PT (15.20 ± 1.17 s vs. 12.95 ± 1.02 s, t=4.891), APTT (36.72 ± 1.98 s vs. 33.02 ± 1.68 s, t=4.553), and TT (14.67 ± 0.95 s vs. 12.21 ± 1.10 s, t=4.210) of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), while the level of FIB (2.55 ± 0.25 g/L vs. 3.03 ± 0.51 g/L, t=4.027) of the observation group was significantly lower than this of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The application of Yiqi-Yangyin-Quyu decoction combined with acupuncture can improve the blood coagulation function, reduce the injury of brain tissue, promote the recovery of cerebral nerve function, and improve the quality of life of the patients.
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Objective:To observe the effect of Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing acupuncture plus functional training on neural development in infants with brain damage and seek an effective method for early intervention of infantile brain damage.Methods:Eighty infants with brain injury were recruited and allocated to a treatment group and a control group by their visiting sequence,with 40 cases in each group.The control group received exercise training,40 min each session and 6 sessions a week,and tuina treatment,30 min each time and 6 times a week.Based on the treatment protocol for the control group,the treatment group additionally received Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing acupuncture,3 times a week and 10 sessions as a course at a 2-week interval.Before the treatment and after 14-week treatment,the gross motor function measure (GMFM) and developmental quotient (DQ) of Bejing Gesell developmental scale were used to evaluate the development of the infants.Results:After the treatment,the GMFM score and DQs of Gesell scale all increased by different levels in the two groups,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05);the scores of the treatment group were superior to those of the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing acupuncture plus functional training can significantly promote the development of gross motor and cognitive functions in infants with brain damage,and it is an early and effective intervention for infantile brain damage.
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Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of cranial suture acupuncture plus paroxetine in treating depression,and to discuss the action mechanism of this acupuncture method.Methods:One hundred depression patients were allocated to an observation group and a control group according to the random number table,with 50 cases in each group.The control group was intervened by oral administration of paroxetine tablets,20 mg each time,once a day for successive 6 weeks;the observation group was additionally given cranial suture acupuncture,once a day for 6 weeks.They were scored by Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) before the treatment and respectively after 1-week,2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment.The clinical efficacy and safety were also observed.Results:After 6-week treatment,the total effective rate was 94.0％ in the observation group versus 78.0％ in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01).The HAMD-17 scores respectively after 1-week,2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment were significantly lower than the score before the treatment in the observation group (all P＜0.05);the HAMD-17 scores respectively after 2-week,4-week and 6-week treatment were significantly different from the score before the treatment in the control group (all P＜0.05).There were significant differences in the HAMD-17 score between the two groups respectively after 4-week and 6-week treatment (both P＜0.05).Conclusion:Cranial suture acupuncture plus paroxetine can ease the symptoms of depression,with faster onset and more significant therapeutic efficacy compared with paroxetine alone.
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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.
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Objective To explore an effective method in intervening brain injury syndrome in early stage. Method Eighty patients with brain injury syndrome admitted to Child's Rehabilitation Department of Nanhai Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine during January 2016 and December 2016 were enrolled and randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 40 cases each. The control group was intervened by functional training, while the treatment group was intervened by Tong Du Xing Shen (unblocking the Governor Vessel and awakening the mind) needling based on the functional training. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Gesell Developmental Scales after 12-week treatment. Result After the treatment, the GMFM and Gesell scores increased after the treatment in both groups to different extent (P<0.05), and the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Tong Du Xing Shen needling plus functional training can significantly promote the development of the gross motor function and cognitive function of brain injury patients, and it's an effective intervention method in early stage of brain injury syndrome.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of grain-sized moxibustion at Back-Shu points of Zang-organs in treating vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia (VCIND) due to marrow insufficiency. Method Ninety-two patients with VCIND due to marrow insufficiency were randomized into a grain-sized moxibustion group, an electroacupuncture group and a Western medication group. Since the grain-sized moxibustion group and electroacupuncture group each had 1 dropout case, there were 90 valid recruited cases, 30 in each group. Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) were selected as the major points, with Middle Line of Vertex (MS5), Middle Line of Forehead (MS1), Lateral Line 1 of Vertex (MS8), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuanzhong (GB39) and Taixi (KI3) as the adjunct points. The grain-sized moxibustion group and electroacupuncture group respectively received grain-sized moxibustion and electroacupuncture at Xinshu and Shenshu, and the adjunct points were treated with ordinary acupuncture. The intervention was given once a day, successive 5 d a week, and 4 weeks as a course of treatment, for 2 courses in total. The Western medication group was prescribed with oral administration of Piracetam tablet, 0.4 g per dose, 3 times a day, for successive 8 weeks. The clinical efficacies, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores, homocysteine (Hcy) and folic acid contents in serum were compared among the three groups after 8 weeks. Result The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the grain-sized moxibustion group, superior to 63.3% (19/30) in the electroacupuncture group and 36.7% (11/30) in the Western medication group (P<0.05,P<0.01). The MoCA and ADL scores and serum contents of Hcy and folic acid were significantly improved after the treatment in the three groups (P<0.01), and the grain-sized moxibustion group was significantly better than the electroacupuncture group and Western medication group (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the electroacupuncture group and superior to the Western medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion Grain-sized moxibustion at Back-Shu points of Zang-organs can produce significant efficacy in treating VCIND due to marrow insufficiency, and the effect is possibly realized by declining Hcy and increasing folic acid levels in blood.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of ordinary acupuncture plus Zhigou (TE6) and Zhaohai (KI6) in treating constipation due to yin deficiency in Parkinson's disease. Method Sixty eligible patients were randomized into a control group and a treatment group, 30 cases each. The control group was intervened by ordinary acupuncture by selecting the Dance-tremor Control Zone, Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB20), Fengfu (GV16), Quchi (LI11), Yanglingquan (GB34), Taixi (KI3) and Taichong (LR3). Based on the ordinary acupuncture, Zhigou (TE6) and Zhaohai (KI6) were added in the treatment group. The treatment was given three times a week, 12 sessions as a course, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 2 successive treatment courses by using Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOL), Bristol Stool Scale (BSS), Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS) and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) as the observation indexes. Result Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in comparing the PAC-QOL, Bristol, CCS and UPDRS scores between the two groups (P>0.05);after the treatment, the scores of PAC-QOL, Bristol, CCS, and motor function and activities of daily living in UPDRS dropped significantly in the two groups (P<0.05); the PAC-QOL, Bristol and CCS scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group after the treatment (P<0.05); the treatment group had a significantly higher effective rate in improving constipation symptoms than the control group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in comparing the UPDRS score between the two groups after the intervention (P>0.05). Conclusion Ordinary acupuncture plus Zhigou and Zhaohai can significantly improve the quality of life, stool form and difficulty in defecation in constipation of yin-deficiency type in Parkinson's disease, and the therapeutic efficacy is superior to that of ordinary acupuncture.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Tiao Shen Jie Jing needling (regulating the mind and release spasm) in treating post-stroke upper-limb spastic palsy. Method Ninety patients with post-stroke upper-limb spastic palsy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases each. The observation group was intervened by Tiao Shen Jie Jing needling, while the control group was given ordinary acupuncture. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), short-form Fugl-Meyer Assessment (SFMA) and Barthel Index (BI) were evaluated and recorded prior to the treatment, after 2-week and 4-week treatment and 3 months later after the intervention; the serumγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was detected before and after the treatment. Result The total effective rate was 83.3% in the observation group versus 61.0% in the control group, and the efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). The scores of each scale showed improvements after the treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvements in the observation group were more significant (P < 0.05). The follow-up showed continuing improvements in the scales in the observation group, which were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05); after the treatment, the content of GABA in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Tiao Shen Jie Jing needling can effectively ameliorate the upper-limb spasm,as well as the motor function of the upper extremities, improve the activities of daily living and maintain a long-term efficacy, better than ordinary acupuncture. The action mechanism is related to the regulation of GABA content in serum.
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Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of fire-needle therapy in treating deglutition disorders due to pseudobulbar palsy in the remission stage of stroke.Methods:Sixty-two eligible subjects were divided into a fire-needle group and a rehabilitation group by a simple randomization method at a ratio of 1:1.The two groups received same basic intervention;in addition,the fire-needle group received fire-needle treatment,while the rehabilitation group received rehabilitation training.The two groups of subjects all received a 3-week treatment and were evaluated by the dysphagia severity rating scale (DSRS),modified Mann assessment of swallow ability (MMASA) and Kubota Toshio swallow test (KTST) before and after the intervention.The complications and adverse events occurred during the trial were recorded.The data were statistically analyzed.Results:At the third week,the DSRS,MMASA and KTST scores changed significantly compared with the baseline in both groups (P＜0.05),and the changes in the fire-needle group were more significant than those in the rehabilitation group (P＜0.05).The between-group comparison at the third week showed that the therapeutic efficacy in the fire-needle group was superior to that in the rehabilitation group (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Fire-needle therapy can obviously change the DSRS,MMASA and KTST scores in pseudobulbar palsy in the remission stage of stroke,and significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment of deglutition disorders in this stage.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of interactive scalp acupuncture therapy for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Methods Eighty-three ASD patients were randomized to a treatment group (43 cases) and a control group (40 cases).The treatment group received interactive scalp acupuncture therapy (scalp acupuncture first and music education therapy during needle retention) and the control group,music education therapy alone.The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score,the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) score and the Gesell Development Quotient (DQ) scores were recorded in the two groups before and after treatment.Results There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the CARS,ABC and DQ (social adaptation and individual sociality) scores in both groups (P＜ 0.01).There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the CARS,ABC and DQ scores between the treatment and control groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion Interactive scalp acupuncture therapy plus music education therapy can relieve the clinical symptoms and improve social and cognitive abilities in ASD patients.
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Objective:To observe the effect of Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing needling technique on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cerebral palsy (CP) children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods:A total of 18 CP children with PVL received modern rehabilitation training and scalp acupuncture. The before-after study was conducted to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the white matter fiber tracts, gross motor function measure (GMFM) score, Gesell developmental scale and changes in muscle tone. Results:For the comparison before and after the first course of treatment, there were no statistical differences in DTI findings and FA values (both P>0.05); there were statistical differences in GMFM dimensions A and B (bothP0.05); and there were statistical differences in six items of Gesell development test (P0.05); and there were statistical differences in six items of Gesell developmental test between before, after 30 and 60 treatments and between 30 and 60 treatments (P Conclusion:The Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing scalp acupuncture has no significant efficacy on the repair and regeneration of white matter fibers in children with PVL and CP in a short period of time; however, it gradually works along with the prolonged treatment time. In addition, it can improve the motor function and mental development and the efficacy is closely associated with the time of treatment.
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Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of scalp acupuncture plus speech rehabilitation in treating Broca's aphasia after cerebral stroke, for providing novel evidences for the treatment. Methods:Ninety-one eligible patients with Broca's aphasia after cerebral stroke were randomized into an observation group and a control group. Forty-six cases in the observation group were intervened by scalp acupuncture plus speech rehabilitation, while 45 cases in the control group were treated by speech rehabilitation alone. The aphasia battery of Chinese (ABC) and Boston diagnostic aphasia examination (BDAE) were adopted to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results:After the treatment, the scores of oral expression, reading and writing and global score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (allP<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the BDAE grading between the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05). After intervention, the basically-recovered plus markedly-effective rate was 45.7% in the observation group versus 24.4% in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:Scalp acupuncture plus speech rehabilitation is effective in treating Broca's aphasia after cerebral stroke, and worth promoting.
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Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Governor Vessel-unblocking and brain-refreshing scalp acupuncture for cerebral palsy (CP) complicated with intellectual disabilities. Methods:A total of 300 CP cases aged between 1 and 5 years were randomly allocated into a treatment group (n=150) and a control group (n=150). Patients in the treatment group were treated with Governor Vessel-unblocking and brain- refreshing scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training, whereas patients in the control group received rehabilitation training alone. The Beijing Gesell developmental (Gesell) scale and gross motor function measure (GMFM) scale were used to assess the motor and intellectual development before and 3 months after the treatment. In addition, the head CT/MRI examination was applied to assess the brain nerve repair before and after the treatment. Results:After the treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 78.0%, versus 42.7% in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05). As for scores of five subscales in the Gesell scale, there were significant intra-group differences in the treatment group (allP<0.05); and the scores in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (allP<0.05). As for scores of five dimensions in GMFM scale, there were significant intra-group differences in the treatment group (allP<0.05); and the scores in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (allP<0.05). According to the head CT/MRI findings, the total effective rate was 73.3% in the treatment group, versus 62.0% in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion:When used in combination with rehabilitative training, Governor Vessel-unblocking and brain-refreshing scalp acupuncture can significantly improve the clinical efficacy for cerebral palsy complicated with intellectual disabilities. It can also improve the patients' motor function, intelligence and language ability.