Effect of TCM Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture on Lower Limb Dysfunction after Stroke.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture in the treatment of lower limb dysfunction after stroke. Methods: A total of 100 cases of patients with lower limb dysfunction after stroke in our hospital were selected and divided into the control group and the observation group, 50 cases in each group by the random number table method. The control group was treated with conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation while the observation group was additionally treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture. The 10-meter walk test (10 mWT) and the timed up and go test time (TUGT) were performed in the two groups before and after the intervention. The walking function, lower limb motor function, neurological function and activities of daily living were evaluated with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of motor function, the Holdden walking function rating scale (FAC), the modified Fugl-Meyer motor function rating scale (FMA), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel index (BI) in activity of daily living scale (ADL), and changes of lower limb muscle tension were determined by the Ashworth scale. Results: 1 After the intervention, the 10 mWT was increased and TUGT was shortened in the two groups (P < 0.05). The 10 mWT of the observation group was longer than that of the control group, while TUGT was shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). 2 Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the two groups in scores of FAC and FMA (P > 0.05). After the intervention, scores in the two groups were increased (P < 0.05), and the scores of observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). 3 The proportion of grade 0 lower limb muscle tension in the observation group after 10 weeks of intervention was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). 4 After the intervention, NIHSS scores were decreased and BI scores were increased in the two groups (P < 0.05). The NIHSS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, and the BI score was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation can reduce the degree of lower limb dysfunction, promote the improvement of walking function and improve the lower limb muscle strength and activities of daily living of patients after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]