Three-dimensional kinematic analysis can improve the efficacy of acupoint selection for post-stroke patients with upper limb spastic paresis: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a semi-personalized acupuncture approach, using 3D kinematic analysis to select additional acupoints, could improve efficacy for post-stroke upper limb spastic paresis (PSSP-UL).
Results Summary
The intervention group showed significantly higher motor function improvement (FMA-UE response rate) at week 4 compared to the control group, along with enhanced muscle strength and daily living activities. The study concluded that 3DKA-guided acupuncture improved outcomes for PSSP-UL patients.
Population
74 participants with first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and spastic upper limb paresis.
Effective Dosage
Acupuncture treatment 5 days a week.
Duration
4 weeks of treatment, with follow-up assessments up to 12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results | increase | motor function | patients with PSSP-UL | - | significantly improved | #1 |
semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results | increase | muscle strength | patients with PSSP-UL | - | significantly improved | #2 |
semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results | increase | activities of daily living | patients with PSSP-UL | - | significantly improved | #3 |
semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results | increase | FMA-UE response rate (≥ 6-point change) | participants with spastic upper limb paresis | - | exhibited a significantly higher | #4 |
BACKGROUND: China is seeing a growing demand for rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke upper limb spastic paresis (PSSP-UL). Although acupuncture is known to be effective for PSSP-UL, there is room to enhance its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: This study explored a semi-personalized acupuncture approach for PSSP-UL that used three-dimensional kinematic analysis (3DKA) results to select additional acupoints, and investigated the feasibility, efficacy and safety of this approach. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This single-blind, single-center, randomized, controlled trial involved 74 participants who experienced a first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with spastic upper limb paresis. The participants were then randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups received conventional treatments and acupuncture treatment 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The main acupoints in both groups were the same, while participants in the intervention group received additional acupoints selected on the basis of 3DKA results. Follow-up assessments were conducted for 8 weeks after the treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) response rate (≥ 6-point change) at week 4. Secondary outcomes included changes in motor function (FMA-UE), Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS), manual muscle test (MMT), spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS), and activities of daily life (Modified Barthel Index, MBI) at week 4 and week 12. RESULTS: Sixty-four participants completed the trial and underwent analyses. Compared with control group, the intervention group exhibited a significantly higher FMA-UE response rate at week 4 (χ CONCLUSION: Semi-personalized acupuncture prescription based on 3DKA results significantly improved motor function, muscle strength, and activities of daily living in patients with PSSP-UL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200056216. Please cite this article as: Huang XY, Liao OP, Jiang SY, Tao JM, Li Y, Lu XY, Li YY, Wang C, Li J, Ma XP. Three-dimensional kinematic analysis can improve the efficacy of acupoint selection for post-stroke patients with upper limb spastic paresis: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 15-24.