Acupuncture of fascia points to relieve hand spasm after stroke: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The loss of functional ability of patients after stroke is mostly caused by dysfunction of the upper limbs, especially the hands. Hand functional exercise is the premise of alleviating hand dysfunction, and the relief of hand spasm is the basis of timely and effective hand functional exercise. Previous clinical observation have shown that fascial-point needling can effectively alleviate hand spasm immediately after stroke, but further evidence from large-sample studies is needed. The overall objective of this trial is to further evaluate the clinical efficacy of fascialpoint acupuncture on hand spasm after stroke. Methods/design: This multicenter randomized controlled trial will compare the efficacy of fascial-point acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and routine rehabilitation therapy in stroke patients with hand spasm. Patients will be randomized to undergo either the fascial-point acupuncture, the sham acupuncture or the control (routine rehabilitation therapy). We will recruit 210 stroke inpatients who meet the trial criteria and observe the remission of hand spasm and improvement of limb function after 4 weeks of intervention. The first evaluation indices are the remission of hand spasm and the duration of spasm remission. The second evaluation indices are the hand function of the affected limbs and the activities of daily living. When the accumulative total number of cases included reaches 120, a mid-term analysis will be conducted to determine any evidence that experimental intervention does have an advantage. Discussion: Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of fascial-point acupuncture in relieving hand spasm after stroke. The results should provide more evidence for the clinical application of this therapy in the future.

Effectiveness of Early Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke in Neurology Unit

“…By the end of the acute stroke period, hemiparesis was observed in 81.2 % of patients who survived, including hemiplegia -11.2 %, severe and rough hemiparesis -11.1 %, mild and moderate hemiparesis -58.9 %. The indicators do not differ from data of other studies [3,4,7,9].…”

Effects of Early Acupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Limb Function and Nerve Injury Rehabilitation in Elderly Patients with Stroke: Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study

“…In the real world, acupuncture treatment enhances function of stroke patients better than conventional drug treatment. The study by Liu and others found that for patients with flaccid paralysis, the combination of the major meridian method combined with staged acupuncture has a more remarkable effect and effectively enhanced the patient's FMA score and daily living ability [ 29 ]. Song and others pointed out that, whether it is cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, the combined therapy of scalp acupuncture and body acupuncture combined with Bobath therapy can improve their neurological deficit and limb mobility and relieve muscle spasm [ 30 ].…”