title: The effect of acupuncture on motor cortex excitability and plasticity.
abstract: Acupuncture has been used extensively in facilitating motor recovery after stroke. Its mechanism of action remains uncertain. In this sham-controlled study, we demonstrate for the first time that acupuncture has a real and enduring effect on motor cortex functional changes, in terms of cortical excitability and output mapping using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
authors.affiliation: National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Department of NeurologyOutram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore. gnrlyl@sgh.com.sg
authors.forename: Yew Long
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fook-Chong
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors