OBJECTIVETo compare the effect differences between row acupuncture at the gaps between phalanges and physical therapy for the dorsal stretch of fingers after cerebral infarction.

METHODSSeven-one cases were randomized into a row acupuncture at the gaps between phalanges group (group A, 37 cases) and a physical therapy group (group B, 34 cases). Body acupuncture was applied in the two groups. Row acupuncture at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gaps between phalanges was used in the group A, with continuous wave of electroacupuncture. The two electrodes of nerve injury therapeutic apparatus were put in the muscle belly center of extensor digitorum of forearm in the group B. All the treatments were given for 30 min in the two groups, once a day and 10 times as one course. Three courses were required with 3 d at the interval. The dorsal stretch of metacarpophalangeal joints and the muscle force of common extensor of fingers were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTSCompared with those before treatment, the dorsal stretch of metacarpophalangeal joints and the muscle force of common extensor of fingers were improved after treatment in the two groups (all<0.05). There existed better effects in the group A on the dorsal stretch of the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger of metacarpophalangeal joints, as well as the muscle force of common extensor of fingers (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRow acupuncture at the gaps between phalanges achieves better effect than physical therapy for the dorsal stretch of fingers after cerebral infarction, based on body acupuncture.