OBJECTIVETo analyze the effect difference of wave, intensity, time and treatment frequency by orthogonal design so as to explore the optimal parameters of scalp electroacupuncture (EA) for rehabilitation effect on children of cerebral palsy.

METHODSNinety children of cerebral palsy were assigned into 9 groups by orthogonal design, 10 cases in each one. The acupoints were bilateral excitable area, foot motor sensory area, speech two area, speech three area, balance area, and intelligent nine acupoints, including Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13) and Touwei (ST 8). EA was applied at bilateral excitable area and speech three area. We designed an orthogonal experiment with four factors and three levels. We studied wave (sparse wave of 2 Hz, density wave of 100 Hz, sparse and density wave of 2 Hz /100 Hz), intensity (1 mA, 2 mA, intensity based on tolerance), time (10 min, 20 min, 30 min), frequency (once a day, once every other day, twice a week). The Gesell developmental scale was used to evaluate the developmental quotient (DQ); and gross motor function measure (GMFM), motor function before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe optimal parameters for DQ and GMFM were 2 Hz/100 Hz, 20 min, once every other day. .

CONCLUSIONThe optimal parameters for cerebral palsy may be 2 Hz/100 Hz, 20 min, once every other day.