Effects of motor imagery therapy combined with scalp acupuncture on balance and walking abilities in hemiplegic stroke survivors

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of motor imagery therapy combined with scalp acupuncture on balance and walking abilities in hemiplegic stroke survivors. Methods A total of 120 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis were randomly divided into 3 groups, each of 40 cases. All patients were given basic medication and conventional rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the motor imagery group accepted motor imagery therapy, the scalp acupuncture group received scalp acupuncture, and the treatment group was provided with the above both for 6 weeks. The 10 m maximum walking speed (10 m MWS), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional ambulation classification (FAC) and timedup and gotest (TUGT) were conducted to evaluate balance and gait abilities before and after the intervention. Results There were no significant differences among the 3 groups in any of the assessments (P>0.05) before intervention (P>0.05). After six weeks' intervention, all measurements of the 3 groups were significantly better than those before that (P<0.05), and the effects of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the other 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Motor imagery therapy combined with scalp acupuncture can distinctly improve the balance and walking abilities in hemiplegic stroke survivors, superior to the effect of solely motor imagery therapy or scalp acupuncture. Key words: Motor imagery; Scalp acupuncture; Stroke; Balance; Walking ability