[Study on electroacupuncture improving the single-foot supporting phase rate of stroke patients].
OBJECTIVE
To provide biomechanics basis for acupuncture improving motor function of stroke patients.


METHODS
With randomized controlled trial method, 21 cases were randomly divided into a control group (n = 10) and an acupuncture group (n = 10). The control group was only treated with basic neurology therapies, and acupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Pishu (BL 20) etc. were added in the acu-puncture group. After treatment for 2 weeks, the scores of Fugl-Meyer (lower limb part) and Barthel Index assessment before and after treatment were compared, and the changes of the single-foot supporting phase rate were observed.


RESULTS
After treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer (lower limb part) and Barthel Index assessment had no significant difference in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (P > 0.05), and the single-foot supporting phase rate in acupuncture group had very significant improvement as compared with both those before treatment and those in the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture can increase the single-foot supporting phase rate of stroke patients and the biomechanics assessment is more sensitive than the rehabilitation scale assessment.
Liu
Gang
G
Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangdong Provincial Second Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou 510095, China.
Lü
Chang-Sheng
CS
Yuan
Li-Xia
LX
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000368:Aged; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome