OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the efficacy on traumatic spinal cord injury(SCI) in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra between the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy.

METHODSThe perspectively randomized controlled trial was adopted. Forty-eight cases of traumatic SCI in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 24 cases in each one. The conventional rehabilitation training was applied in both groups. In addition, the paraplegia-triple-needling method was used in the observation group. In the treatment, acupuncture was applied to the points of the Governor Vessel and the Back-shu which, located two segments above and below the spinal injury plane separately. Acupuncture with the electric pulsing stimulation was applied to the motor points of the key muscles of the lower extremities. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture was applied to Huantiao (GB 30), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In each group, the treatment was given once a day, one month treatment made 1 session. Totally, 3 sessions of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, as well as in 1-month follow-up visit after treatment, the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the function comprehensive assessment (FCA) were adopted to assess the activities of daily life (ADL) and the comprehensive function of the patients. The score of MBI and FCA were taken as the double response variables to imitate the multilevel model. The changing tendency of MBI and FCA along with the time was observed in two groups.

RESULTSIn the follow-up visit, MBI and FCA score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in MBI and FCA score at any time point between two groups (all P > 0.05). In 4-month observation, there was a rising tendency with time in MBI and FAC scoe in both groups, which was roughly linear. As time went on, the increasing amplitude in the observation group was much bigger. It was explained that there was no difference in the short-term efficacy between two groups. However, the long-term efficacy in the observation group was much better.

CONCLUSIONBoth the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy can improve the ADL and the comprehensive function of the patients with traumatic SCI of the thoracic and lumbar vertebra. Concerning the long-term efficacy, the paraplegia-triple-needling combined with the rehabilitation training achieves better result. This therapeutic program is safe and effective.