Objective: To investigate the effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training on lower limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.
Methods: Eighty stroke patients were randomly assigned to motor relearning training group and balance acupuncture plus motor relearning group (n＝40 cases in each). The motor relearning training program consisting of upper-limb functional training, lying supine, bedside sitting, sitting-balancing, standing up and down, standing-balancing, walking, orofacial functional training, etc. was given to patients of the two groups. Balance acupuncture stimulating was applied to Piantan-， Jiantong-， Xitong-， Tuntong- and Huaitong-points for 30 min, once daily, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The lower limb motor performance ability was assessed by using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-L) scale, the balance function assessed by using Berg balance scale (BBS), the motor ability evaluated by using Rivermead motor index (RMI), and the gait (walking speed, cadence, and step length) evaluated by using Brunnstrom hemiplegia gait evaluation scale.
Results: After the treatment, the scores of FMA-L, BBS, RMI and hemiplegia gait were significantly increased in the two groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), and were significantly higher in the balance acupuncture plus motor relearning group than in the motor relearning training group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning can improve lower limb motor function and balance function, and has a better effect than simple motor relearning training.
Keywords: Balance acupuncture; Lower limb motor function; Motor relearning; Stroke.