The effect of electro-acupuncture on spasticity of the wrist joint in chronic stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To quantitatively assess the change in spasticity of the impaired wrist joint in chronic stroke patients after electro-acupuncture treatment.


METHODS
Crossover design.


METHODS
University medical center research laboratory.


METHODS
Seven chronic stroke subjects (age, 63.14+/-7.01y).


METHODS
Participants received two 6-week treatment regimens: combined electro-acupuncture and strengthening twice a week, and strengthening twice a week only. Muscle strength and spasticity of the wrist joint were quantified by using the Biodex multijoint System 3 Pro. Electro-acupuncture was given through a commercial electro-acupuncture device.


METHODS
Velocity sensitivity of averaged speed-dependent reflex torque (VASRT); segmented averaged speed-dependent reflex torque (SASRT); Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores; and integrated electromyographic activity of the affected wrist flexors during passive stretch of the affected wrist joint.


RESULTS
VASRT was reduced significantly in the combined treatment group (P=.02) after the 6-week period, but not in the strengthening-only group (P=.23); however, no significant immediate effect of electro-acupuncture was observed (P>.05). MAS scores also showed a significant reduction (P<.01). SASRT did not differ significantly across different positions of the joint or across velocity; however, significant differences were present between the 2 treatment groups (P<.05) for each position and at all the velocities except at 20 degrees /s. Integrated electromyographic activity showed a trend for reduction after the combined treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
A combination of electro-acupuncture and muscle strengthening exercise for 6 weeks significantly reduced spasticity. The effect of spasticity reduction was consistent across different joint positions and different velocities of passive stretch.
Mukherjee
Mukul
M
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-7601, USA.
McPeak
Lisa K
LK
Redford
John B
JB
Sun
Chao
C
Liu
Wen
W
D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017741:Survivors; D019415:Torque; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*