Effect of Needling the Meridian Muscle Regions on Lower Limb Spasticity in Spastic Cerebral Palsy / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of needling the meridian muscle regions in treating the lower limb spasm in spastic cerebral palsy.Method Eighty patients with spastic cerebral palsy were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The two groups were both intervened by conventional rehabilitation. Besides, the treatment group was given acupuncture at the meridian muscle regions including Chengshan (BL 57) point and the point 1 cun above the upper margin of the Achilles-tendon attachment, while the control group was given acupuncture majorly at points from the Yangming Meridian of the affected lower limb. The modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) were evaluated before intervention and after 3 treatment courses.Result The MAS, CSS, and GMFM scores were significantly changed after intervention in both groups (P<0.01). After treatment, the MAS, CSS, and GMFM scores of the treatment group were significantly different from that of the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion Needling the meridian muscle regions can effectively improve the lower limb spasticity in spastic cerebral palsy, and it can help correct clubfoot and enhance the gross motor function.