Efficacy of acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy in infancy stage

Abstract

To explore the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy in infancy stage. A total of 62 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each one. Both groups were given comprehensive rehabilitation therapy (sport therapy, electronic biofeedback therapy, speech cognitive training, massage therapy). On the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy, the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), motor area, Jiaji (EX-B 2), Weizhong (BL 40), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4), etc, the needles were retained for 15-20 min each time, once a day, 5 days a week, 45 days as a course with 10 days interval, a total of 3 courses were required. The Gesell development scale adaptive DQ scores, gross motor function measure (GMFM88) and muscular tension of adductor and gastrocnemius muscle were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The Gesell development scale adaptive DQ score after treatment in the observation group was increased (P<0.05), there was no significant difference before and after treatment in the control group (P>0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the GMFM88 scores in the two groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the muscular tension of the adductor in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the muscle tension of the gastrocnemius muscle in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the two groups in the variation range (P>0.05). Acupuncture combined with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy can improve cognitive function, spasticity and motor function of children with spastic cerebral palsy.