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Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Poststroke Motor Recovery and Physical Function: A Pilot Study

Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, Inglewood, CA

Steven Cen

Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Katherine J. Sullivan

Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Gitu Bhavnani

Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital, Inglewood, CA

Xiuling Ma

Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Santa Monica, CA

Stanley P. Azen

Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, sazen{at}usc.edu

ASAP Study Group

This pilot study obtained preliminary data on the effects of acupuncture treatment combined with a standard inpatient stroke rehabilitation program on poststroke motor recovery and physical function. Thirty-two patients with acute stroke were recruited and randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms: standard rehabilitation (control group) or a combination of acupuncture and standard rehabilitation (acupuncture group). Baseline and discharge assessments were obtained on motor recovery as measured by the Fugl-Meyer (FM) Assessment and on physical function as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Comparisons were made between the acupuncture and control group in total FM and FIM as well as for each subscale of the FM and FIM. No differences between treatment groups were found in the total FM or the total FIM. However, statistically significant benefit due to acupuncture was observed for the FM lower extremity motor function subscale (P = 0.01) and the tub/shower transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.03). Marginally significant benefit due to acupuncture was noted for the toilet transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.09). The effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to standard poststroke rehabilitation programs may be demonstrated when more specific measures of stroke motor recovery and physical function are used.

Key Words: Rehabilitation • Outcomes • Stroke interventions

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Vol. 18, No. 4, 259-267 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/1545968304271568


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