Post-stroke Shoulder-hand Syndrome Research Articles

Treatment outcomes in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome: The role of combined acupuncture, traditional Chinese herb hot compress and rehabilitation training.

Acupuncture, traditional Chinese herb hot compress and rehabilitation training is useful in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS), but it is less commonly used in combination. To analyse the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of acupuncture, traditional Chinese herb hot compress and rehabilitation training in SHS patients. Patients diagnosed with post-stroke SHS and treated from January 2022 to March 2023 at Beijing Friendship Hospital and Beijing Pinggu Hospital were selected and randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C). Group A received conventional rehabilitative treatment (35 cases), Group B underwent conventional rehabilitative treatment + acupuncture (35cases), and Group C received conventional rehabilitative treatment + acupuncture + traditional Chinese herb hot compress treatment (35cases). The post-treatment effectiveness rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, activities of daily living (ADL) score, Fugel-Meyer assessment (FMA) score, SHS assessment scale (SHSS) score and shoulder joint mobility were compared among the three groups. The post-treatment VAS score (FVAS score= 232.512, P< 0.001), FMA score (FFMA score= 239.412, P< 0.001), ADL score (FADL score= 412.634, P< 0.001), SHSS score (FSHSS score= 212.542, P< 0.001) and shoulder joint mobility (FShoulder Joint Mobility= 197.531, P< 0.001) all showed statistically significant differences. The VAS and SHSS scores decreased in the order of Group A > Group B > Group C, while the FMA, ADL and shoulder joint mobility scores increased in the order of Group C > Group B > Group A. The post-treatment effectiveness rates (χ2= 48.510, P< 0.001) also exhibited statistically significant differences, decreasing in the order of Group C (94.29%) > Group B (82.86%) > Group A (71.43%). The treatment efficacy of the combined acupuncture, traditional Chinese herb hot compress and rehabilitation training for SHS patients is significant, warranting its clinical promotion.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Plum Blossom Needling with Mild Moxibustion Device for Upper Limb Pain Disorder and Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (PS-SHS), a common neurological comorbidity after stroke episodes, poses a grave threat on patients' functional recovery. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, including a dermal acupuncture tapping method known as plum blossom needling (PBN) can improve pain and motor dysfunctions in patients with PS-SHS. However, there are few reports describing simultaneous moxibustion treatment in combination with PBN. Hence, a novel plum blossom needle device with mild moxibustion (PBNMM) was developed to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in patients with stage 1 PS-SHS. This multicenter, sham-controlled, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit 102 eligible patients with stage 1 PS-SHS from three clinical centers, randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1:1 to the PBNMM group, PBNMM with no moxa smoke (PBNMM-NMS) group and sham control group. Patients in each group will receive a 30-minute treatment once per day for 4 weeks, with 5 consecutive sessions per week, for a total of 20 sessions. The primary outcome measure will be defined as the decreased scores from baseline in the visual analog scale (VAS) assessment at week 4. Secondary outcome measures will include scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) records. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and weeks 4, 5, 6 and 10, and the intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. This study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy and safety of the PBNMM for PS-SHS treatment, as well as the specific impact of moxibustion smoke itself in dealing with PS-SHS. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR2200062441. Registered on 7 August 2022.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction treated with the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training: a multi-central randomized controlled trial

To assess the efficacy on relieving pain and improving the range of motion of shoulder joint in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction in treatment of the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao (Chinese herbal warm dressing technique) and rehabilitation training (eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation) as compared with the combined treatment of Tengliao and rehabilitation training (Tengliao + rehabilitation) and the simple rehabilitation training (rehabilitation). A total of 356 patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction were randomized into an eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group A, 122 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group B, 120 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a rehabilitation group (group C, 114 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the group C, the basic treatment was combined with routine rehabilitation training. In the group B, on the base of the treatment as the group C, Tengliao was exerted. A medical bag composed of over 20 Chinese herbal materials was heated and dressed at the affected area, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. In the group A, besides the treatment as the group B, eye acupuncture was applied to heart region, kidney region, upper jiao region and lower jiao region, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. The treatment lasted 28 days in all of three groups. Separately, before treatment, in 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment, as well as in 14 days after treatment of follow-up, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the score of guides to evaluation of permanent impairment (GEPI) and the score of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were observed in each group. The scores of VAS, GEPI and NIHSS were all improved with the treatment lasting in the three groups (P<0.000 1). In 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment and in follow-up as well, VAS scores in the group A were all lower than the group C (P<0.05). After 14 days of treatment, GEPI score showed increasing trend, while NIHSS score showed decreasing trend in the group A compared with the group B. Before treatment, GEPI score was lower and NIHSS score was higher in the group A compared with the group C (P<0.05). It was suggested that the illness was slightly serious in the group A. After propensity score matching, in 14, 21 and 28 days as well as in follow-up, GEPI scores in the group A were higher than the group C respectively (P<0.05). Regarding NIHSS score at each time point, the difference had no statistical significance between the group A and the group C (P>0.05). The combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training obtains a better efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction as compared with rehabilitation training.

Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial [Response to Letter

Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial [Response to Letter

Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various levels of moxibustion smoke concentration (MSC), represented by particulate matter 10mm (PM10), on pain and motor dysfunction in patients with stage 1 post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS).Materials and MethodsIn this multi-center, sham-controlled, single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT), a total of 140 eligible patients with stage 1 post-stroke SHS will be recruited from March 2022 to February 2023 and randomly allocated to five groups in a ratio of 1:1:1:1:1. Moxibustion, in addition to standard medical care, will be applied to subjects in all groups. No acupoints on the affected upper limb will be utilized. Moxibustion smoke therapy, with varying levels of MSC, will be applied to the five groups as follows: (A) sham control group, (B) zero MSC group, (C) low MSC group, (D) medium MSC group, and (E) high MSC group. Patients in each group will be treated for 20 minutes per session, with five sessions each week, over a course of six weeks, with a total follow-up interval of eight weeks. The primary outcome measure will be a visual analog scale (VAS) assessment of the intensity of regionalized pain in the affected upper limb. Secondary outcome measures will include scoring on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the measurement of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP). All participants will be evaluated before treatment, during treatment (ie, at two weeks and four weeks), immediately after concluding treatment (ie, at six weeks) and at two weeks post-treatment (ie, at eight weeks). Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied.Trial Registration NumberChiCTR2100043076.

Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial [Letter

Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial [Letter

WANG Ju-yi's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome typeⅠ

To compare the clinical efficacy differences between WANG Ju-yi 's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training and Bobath rehabilitation training alone for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) typeⅠ. A total of 106 patients with post-stroke SHS typeⅠwere randomly divided into an observation group (53 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and a control group (53 cases, 3 cases dropped off ). The patients in the both groups were treated with medications for basic diseases and conventional acupuncture at Waiguan (TE 5), Shousanli (LI 10) and Jianyu (LI 15) on the affected side. In addition, the patients in the control group were treated with Bobath rehabilitation training, 20 minutes each time; on the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with WANG Ju-yi's meridian diagnosis method to adjust the abnormal parts in meridians of the hand taiyin and hand yangming on the affected side, 20 minutes each time. Both groups were treated once a day, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), upper-limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BI) were recorded before and after treatment as well as 6 weeks after treatment (follow-up), and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment. Compared before treatment, the VAS scores were reduced and the scores of upper-limb FMA and BI were increased in the two groups after treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.05). The VAS score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of upper-limb FMA and BI in the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 82.4% (42/51), which was higher than 62.0% (31/50) in the control group (P<0.05). WANG Ju-yi 's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training could effectively treat post-stroke SHS typeⅠ, reduce pain symptoms and improve joint motor dysfunction, and improve the quality of life. Its curative effect is better than Bobath rehabilitation training alone.

Delphi and Analytic hierarchy process for the construction of a risk assessment index system for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

Delphi and Analytic hierarchy process for the construction of a risk assessment index system for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

Effect of abdominal acupuncture combined with routine rehabilitation training on shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPost-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication after stroke. To date, there is still a lack of consistently effective and good patient compliance methods for SHS. MethodsFifty patients with SHS were included in this study. Patients in the control group received rehabilitation training (RT) for 2 weeks; each session was 30 min, 1 time per day, and 5 times per week. Patients in the observation group were additionally given Bo's abdominal acupuncture (BAA) with the same frequency and duration. The primary outcome was the change value in the VAS score from baseline to 2 weeks. The secondary outcomes measured were motor function of the upper limb, shoulder range of motion, ADL, and swelling volume. ResultsCompared with baseline values, the mean VAS score at 2 weeks was reduced by 3.68 in the observation group and by 1.92 in the control group, with a difference between the two groups of 1.84 (P < 0.001); the mean MBI score at 2 weeks increased by 10.44 in the observation group and by 4.79 in the control group, with a difference between the two groups of 5.84 (P = 0.032); the mean swelling volume at 2 weeks decreased by 9.64 in the observation group and by 3.29 in the control group, with a difference between the two groups of 6.48 (P < 0.001). BAA-related adverse events were not found during the study. ConclusionsBAA combined with RT is superior to RT alone in improving shoulder pain, swelling, and ADL in post-stroke SHS patients. Trial RegistrationChiCTR2100045464 (www.chictr.org.cn).

Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment Treating Shoulder-hand Syndrome After Cerebral Hemorrhage During the Rehabilitation Period.

Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) refers to a syndrome causing sudden edema, shoulder pain and limited hand function. Qingpeng ointment, a kind of Tibetan medicine, can reduce swelling, relieve pain, tonify stagnation and clear the meridians, which is consistent with the pathological mechanism of SHS after stroke. Therefore, if clinical trials can be used to explore the effectiveness of Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of poststroke SHS and promote its application in clinical medicine, it may prove the specific significance for the treatment of poststroke SHS poststroke SHS. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of poststroke SHS and to provide an objective basis for a better therapeutic treatment for poststroke SHS. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted. This study recruited 120 patients with poststroke SHS who met the inclusion criteria. They were randomized into the treatment group and the control group, with 60 patients allocated to each group. The treatment group received routine medical treatment and rehabilitative care after using the Qingpeng ointment, while the patients in the control group received only routine treatment without the ointment. All patients received clinical assessment with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measurement of the range of motion (ROM) of the upper-limb joints, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-U) and the Modified Barthel Index Score (MBI) before and after the whole treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores of both the groups decreased significantly (P ＜0.05), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed for the difference between the treatment group and control group in terms of the FMA-U and MBI scores and the forward bend, backward, outstretch, external rotation and pronation angles after treatment. The increases in the values of VAS, FMA-M and MBI in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The increases in the values of the forward bend, outreach and external rotation angles in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed better results than the control group in terms of the relief of pain symptoms, the improvement of motor function and the improvement of the activities of daily living for patients with shoulder-hand syndrome after cerebral hemorrhage. Qingpeng ointment was found to be effective and safe for treating poststroke SHS.

Factors influencing the local skin temperature in patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

Factors influencing the local skin temperature in patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

Patient tolerability of suprascapular and median nerve blocks for the management of pain in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.

Current management options for pain in stroke patients with the shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) are limited and often ineffective. The use of peripheral nerve blocking in SHS has been limited due to concerns of hyperalgesia and allodynia in these patients. This study assessed the tolerability of suprascapular nerve (SSN) and median nerve blocks for acute control of pain in patients with post-stroke SHS. All SHS patients fulfilled diagnosis using the Budapest criteria. Patient tolerability was defined by a composite score that included a change on the visual analog scale (VAS) from baseline for shoulder and hand pain, presence of adverse events, and a self-reported patient satisfaction score. Pain assessment was performed 1 h before (baseline), and 1 h and 2 weeks after the procedure. Five patients (68.5 ± 9.5 years) with post-stroke SHS underwent SSN and median nerve blocks. Participant assessment 1 h after the procedure indicated that the 2 blocking procedures were well tolerated and that VAS scores for shoulder and hand pain decreased by 79% (- 62.6 mm ± 25.6; p = 0.043) and 48% (- 33 mm ± 40.2; p = 0.080), respectively from baseline. After 2 weeks, average VAS scores remained 56% and 37% below baseline, respectively. There were no adverse events and all patients were satisfied after the procedure. Suprascapular and median nerve blocks are safe and well-tolerated procedures for acute pain control in post-stroke SHS. Further studies should address the benefit of these procedures on overall pain reduction, functional recovery, and quality of life in SHS patients.

Analysis of the clinical effect on post-stroke shoulder hand syndrome stage Ⅰ treated with the along-meridian trochar acupuncture therapy

To compare the differences in the clinical effect on post-stroke shoulder hand syndrome (SHS) stage Ⅰ between the along-meridian trochar acupuncture therapy and the routine acupuncture therapy with filiform needles. A total of 80 patients with post-stroke SHS stage I were divided into a treatment group (41 cases) and a control group (39 cases) according to the random number table. In the control group, the common filiform needles were used to stimulate Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (TE14), Jianzhen (SI9), Jianzhongshu (SI15), Jianwaishu (SI14), 5 times a week, 3 weeks as 1 course. In the treatment group, along-meridian trochar acupuncture therapy was applied, 3 times a week, 3 weeks as 1 course. The patients in both groups were all treated with basic medications and routine rehabilitation training. Pain degree, edema degree, upper limb motor function and activity of daily living were observed in the two groups before the treatment, at the end of the treatment and in follow-up. At the end of treatment and in follow-up, the therapeutic effect was evaluated respectively in the patients of the two groups. Compared with the values before treatment, the VAS score of the upper limb was reduced obviously (P< 0.001), the score of the upper limb motor function and Barthel index were increased obviously (P<0.001, P<0.05) in the patients of the two groups, the score of edema degree of the affected limb was reduced after treatment in the patients of the treatment group (P<0.001). Compared with the control group, VAS score of the upper limb and the score of edema degree of the affected limb were obviously lower (P<0.001), and the score of the upper limb motor function and Barthel index were obviously higher in the treatment group (P<0.001). The total effective rate was 66.7% (26/39) after treatment and was 74.4% (29/39) in follow-up in the treatment group and they were 20.5% (8/39) and 28.2% (11/39) respectively in the control group. The total effective rates after treatment and in follow-up in the treatment group were all obviously higher than those in the control group respectively (P<0.001). The along-meridian trochar acupuncture therapy remarkably relieves pain and edema and improves the upper limb motor function and the activity of daily living in the patients with post-stroke shoulder hand syndrome and its clinical therapeutic effect is definite.

Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background:Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (PSSHS) is one of the most common sequelae in patients with stroke. Previous studies have reported that extracorporeal shock wave (EPSW) has been used to treat this condition effectively. However, its conclusions are still inconsistent. Therefore, this study will provide evidence to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of EPSW for the treatment of PSSHS.Methods:We will comprehensively search relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness and safety of EPSW for the treatment of PSSHS in the following databases from their start to February 1, 2020 without language and publication date limitations: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. For trials that meet all inclusion criteria, 2 researchers will independently extract the data from them and appraise study quality by Cochrane risk of bias. Any differences will be solved by discussion with the help of another researcher. All data will be performed and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:We will summarize up-to-date high quality RCTs to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EPSW for the treatment of PSSHS.Conclusions:This study will provide a comprehensive evidence summary to determine whether EPSW is effective and safety for the treatment of PSSHS or not.PROSPERO registration number:PROSPERO CRD42020175630.

Non-pharmaceutical therapy for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome: Protocol for a systematic and network meta-analysis.

Background:Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication in post-stroke patients. SHS has a large impact on patients and their families, communities, healthcare systems and businesses throughout the world. Non-pharmaceutical therapy for post-stroke SHS is the most common treatment in clinical practice, but their effectiveness is still unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the effect and safety of non-pharmaceutical therapeutic strategies for post-stroke SHS.Method:We will search 3 in English and 4 in Chinese languages electronic databases regardless of publication date or language. We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of any non-pharmaceutical therapy for post-stroke SHS. Primary outcomes will be any effective instrument for post-stroke SHS. Two authors will independently assess the risk of bias by using Cochrane tool of risk of bias. We will perform network meta-analysis in random effects model to estimate the indirect and mixed effects of different therapeutic strategies by R-3.5.1 software. We will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.Results:This study will be to assess the effect and safety of non-pharmaceutical therapy for post-stroke SHS.Conclusions:This study will assess the effect of different non-pharmaceutical therapeutic strategies for post-stroke SHS and provide reliable evidence for the choice of treatments.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019139993).

Clinical observation on the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training on post-stroke shoulder hand syndrome: 针灸并用结合康复训练治疗中风后肩手综合征临床疗效观察☆

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effects of body acupuncture, moxibustion, and body acupuncture plus moxibustion in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder hand syndrome (SHS). MethodsA total of 90 SHS patients after stroke were randomly divided into the body acupuncture group, the moxibustion group, and the body acupuncture plus moxibustion group, with 30 cases in each. On the basis of rehabilitation and routine treatment, the patients in different groups were treated with body acupuncture, moxibustion, and body acupuncture plus moxibustion respectively. Treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week, and 4 weeks in all. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, edema grading scores, and simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scores were evaluated before and after treatment, and the therapeutic effects of patients were evaluated as well. ResultsAfter treatment, the VAS and edema grading scores of the three groups were all lower and the FMA scores were all higher than those before treatment, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The VAS and edema grading scores of the acupuncture plus moxibustion group were lower and the FMA score was higher than those of the body acupuncture group and the moxibustion group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The total effective rate of the acupuncture plus moxibustion group was 96.7%, higher than 80.0% of the body acupuncture group and 83.3% of the moxibustion group, with statistically significant differences (both P<0.05). ConclusionBody acupuncture, moxibustion, and body acupuncture plus moxibustion are all effective for post-stroke SHS, while the effect of acupuncture plus moxibustion is the best in relieving the pain and swelling, and improving effectively the joint movement of post-stroke SHS patients, which should be popularized in clinical practice.

Effect of the contralateral needling therapy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

To observe the effect contralateral needling of in improving pain, edema and limb dysfunction in stroke patients with shoulder-hand syndrome. A total of 62 patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were divided into a control group and an observation group, 31 cases in each one. The routine treatment with internal medicine and rehabilitation manipulation was adopted in the two groups. Additionally, the routine acupuncture treatment was used in the control group and the contralateral needling techniques was applied in the observation group. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day for 5 days a week and consecutively for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of the modified Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA scale), the score of the visual analogue scale (VAS), the score of the hand edema rating and the score of the modified Barthel index (ADL score) were evaluated. The total effective rate was 90.32% (28/31) in the observation group and was 67.74% (21/31) in the control group. The effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). VAS score, the score of the hand edema rating, FMA score and ADL score were obviously improved as compared with those before treatment in each group and the scores in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). The contralateral needling therapy of acupuncture is effective for relieving pain and edema as well as improving the motor function of the affected limb in the patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.

Short-term and long-term efficacy of PGLA thread-embedding therapy in treatment of stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

To investigate short-term and long-term efficacy of PGLA thread-embedding therapy in the treatment of stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome. A total of 60 patients with stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomly divided into control group and treatment group, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were given acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training, and those in the treatment group were given PGLA thread-embedding therapy combined with rehabilitation training. Conventional acupuncture was performed once a day, and thread-embedding therapy was performed once every 5 days. Both groups were treated for 30 days. Clinical outcome, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, hand edema score, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score were compared within and between groups immediately and at 1 month after treatment. The treatment group had a significantly higher overall response rate than the control group immediately and at 1 month after treatment (93.33%/86.67% vs 73.33%/56.67%, P<0.05). Both groups had significant reductions in VAS score and hand edema score and a significant increase in FMA score immediately and at 1 month after treatment (P<0.05), and the treatment group had significantly greater improvements than the control group (P<0.05). PGLA thread-embedding therapy has a better clinical effect than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.

A clinical study on acupuncture in combination with routine rehabilitation therapy for early pain recovery of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.

The clinical effect of acupuncture in combination with rehabilitation therapy for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) was explored. Patients (178) with post-stroke SHS who received treatment in the Dalian Second Hospital from March 2012 to March 2016 were included in this study. The patients were divided into experimental group (89 cases) and control group (89 cases). Patients in the control group received rehabilitation therapy, while those in the treatment group received acupuncture treatment in addition to rehabilitation therapy. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to assess the pain degree of patients. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), functional comprehensive assessment (FCA) and assessment of quality of life (QoL) were used to evaluate rehabilitation condition of the patients. Early pain relief, rehabilitation of upper extremity motor function and improvement of QoL after treatment were compared between the two groups. The scores of VAS, FMA, FCA and QoL showed obvious differences between the two groups after treatment (P<0.05). The scores of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group, and the improvement in upper extremity motor function of the patients in the experimental group was better than that of the patients in the control group. The total effective rate of the patients in the experimental group was higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The effect in improving the upper extremity motor function of the patients in the experimental group was better than that of control group. The scores of QoL of the patients in the experimental group were better than that of the patients in the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, acupuncture in combination with rehabilitation therapy can improve early pain and rehabilitation significantly and enhance QoL for patients with post-stroke SHS, which is worthy of being widely used in clinical practice.

Penetration acupuncture at Baxie(EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation for swelling hand of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome

To compare the effects between penetration acupuncture at Baxie (EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation and simple rehabilitation for swelling hand in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome. Sixty patients were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group,30 cases in each one. Penetration acupuncture at Baxie (EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation were used in the observation group,and the acupoints were the affected Baxie (EX-UE 9) and Wailaogong (EX-UE 8). Simple rehabilitation was used in the control group. All the treatment was given for 3 weeks,5 days a week with 2 days at the interval,once a day. The swelling degree and motor function of the affected hand were assessed before and after treatment in the two groups. Also,the effects were compared. The swelling and motor function scores after treatment were improved compared with those before treatment in the two groups(all P<0.01),with better effects in the observation group(both P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.3%(28/30) in the observation group,which was better than 73.3%(22/30) in the control group(P<0.01). Penetration acupuncture at Baxie (EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation can effectively and timely alleviate the swelling hand and motor function of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome,which are better than simple rehabilitation.