Objective To observe the effects of scalp electroacupuncture (SEA) combined con- straint-induced movement therapy ( CIMT) on movement function of ischemic stroke patients' upper limbs. Methods Totally 80 stroke patients were assigned to four groups according to random digit table, i.e., the routine rehabilitation group, the SEA group, the CIMT group, and the comprehensive intervention group. Patients in the routine rehabilitation group strengthened the training of upper limbs on the affected side by Bobath dominated technology and Brunnstrom assisted technology. Patients in the SEA group received Jiao's SEA combined EA therapy. Those in the CIMT group restricted the upper limbs of the healthy side and strengthened training of the affected side. Those in the comprehensive intervention group used SEA combined CIMT treatment. Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) , grading of hand function and range of wrist movement were observed before intervention, at week 4 and 12 after intervention, respectively. Results Compared with before treatment in the same group, FMA scores of upper limbs significantly increased, grading of hand function, and range of wrist movement were obviously improved in the 4 groups after 4-week treatment (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). There was no statistical difference in FMA scores of upper limbs or grading of hand function among the four groups. But dorsal expansion of wrist and radial deviation were more obviously improved in the comprehensive intervention group than in the routine rehabilitation group (P <0. 05). Compared with the routine rehabilitation group, FMA scores of up- per limbs increased, grading of hand function and range of wrist movement were obviously improved in the comprehensive intervention group (P <0. 05). Conclusions Routine rehabilitation, SEA, and CIMT showed better rehabilitation effect on movement function of ischemic stroke patients' upper limbs. But ESA combined CIMT showed most obvious effect with earliest effect shown.