Effect of acupoint sticking combined with electrical stimulation on limb function in stroke patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of acupoint sticking combined with electrical stimulation on limb function in stroke patients. Methods A total of 82 stroke patients who treated in Intergrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Zhejiang Province from September 2015 to September 2016 were selected in this study. The participants were divided into the observation group (n=41) and the control group (n=41) according to the random number table. Both groups received conventional therapy and electrical stimulation while the observation group combined with additional acupoint sticking. The Lowett score, ADL score, FMA score of limb motor function, and walking ability evaluation were compared between two groups after 12 weeks' course of treatment. Results The total treatment efficiency in the observation group was significantly higher compared with the control group (92.68% vs. 68.29%; P<0.05) . Both groups had increased scores of Lowett, ADL, and FMA, however, the observation group had significantly higher scores compared with the control group (P<0.05) . Regarding the walking ability, the walking speed and stride frequency were increased in both groups but significantly improved in the observation group compared with the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusions The acupoint sticking combined with electrical stimulation therapy can effectively improve the limb function in patients with stroke. Key words: Stroke; Acupoint Sticking; Electrical stimulation therapy; Limb function