Network visual data mining and analysis of literature on electroacupuncture treatment of post-stroke sequelae

Abstract

To analyze the optimum stimulating parameters and acupoint combination law of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of post-stroke sequelae (PSS) through the network visual data mining and analysis of the literature，so as to provide reference for clinical application. The related articles of acupuncture treatment of PSS patients published from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2021 were collected from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu（VIP), SinoMed, CHAOXING, DUXIU, PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane Library. After the articles were screened according to our formulated inclusion and exclusion criteria, a "Clinical Literature Database of EA Treatment of PSS" was established. The SPSS Modeler14.1 software was used for modeling (by using the parameters of EA, types of apoplexy sequelae, names of acupoints, methods of acupoint matching, acupoint-attributed meridians, etc.) and association rule analysis, and the Cytoscape 3.6.0 software was used for data network visualization analysis. A total of 354 articles were collected, including 13 types of PSS, among which the hemi-plegia accounts for the highest proportion (51.13%), followed by depression (17.51%) and dysphagia (14.97%). A total of 228 acupoints are used, with a total frequency-time of 1 690. Among the 8 PSS (hemiplegia, depression, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, speech disorders, constipation) with the frequency of application of acupoints greater than or equal to 3, 275 articles are involved, with the frequency of dense wave being the highest (123 times), followed by continuous waves (95 times). The stimulation frequency of EA appears 275 times, with the low frequency being the highest (188 times). For hemiplegia type of PSS, low frequency and continuous waves or dense waves are mostly used, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Zusanli(ST36)/Hegu(LI4), LI4/Quchi(LI11) and ST36/LI11. For depression, low frequency and dense waves are mostly used, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Baihui(GV20)/Yintang(EX-HN3), GV20/Shenting(GV24) and GV20/Neiguan(PC6). For swallowing disorder, the mostly used stimulation parameter is low frequency, and the high correlation acupoint groups are Lianquan(CV23)/ST36/Fenglong(ST40), Tongli(HT5)/Yifeng(TE17)/PC6/ST40, and TE17/HT5/PC6/LI4. EA therapy is frequently used in the treatment of PSS, for which ST36, LI4 and LI11 are most frequently used in the treatment of hemiplegia, with the stimulation parameters being low-frequency and continuous waves or dense waves. For depression, GV20, EX-HN3, GV24 and PC6 are used, with the stimulation parameters being low frequency and dense waves. For dysphagia, CV23, HT5, TE17, PC6, ST36, ST40 and LI4 are employed, with low frequency electrical stimulation.