The effect of acupuncture on motor cortex excitability and plasticity.
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.
Lo
Yew Long
YL
National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Department of NeurologyOutram Road, Singapore 169608, Singapore. gnrlyl@sgh.com.sg
Cui
S L
SL
Fook-Chong
S
S
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