OBJECTIVETo observe effect of acupuncture on hemiplegia spasticity of the patient with stroke and to probe an effective acupuncture method for treatment of the hemiplegia spasticity.

METHODSNinety-six cases of hemiplegia spasticity were randomly divided into a common acupuncture group, and a balance yin-yang acupuncture group. All the patients were treated with routine medicine and rehabilitation training. In the common acupuncture group, traditional acupoint selection method was used with the acupoints on the yang channels such as Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10) selected; in the balance yin-yang acupuncture group, the acupoints on the yin channels and the yang channels were combined, with Jiquan (HT 1), Chize (LU 5), Shaohai (HT 3) etc. selected, according to the TCM theory of yin for chronic and yang for acute and imbalance of muscular tension between the extensor and flesor in the patient of hemiplegia. Before and after treatment, neurological defect scoring criterion, modified Ashworth, daily living ability (ADL-Barthel index) and SIAS were respectively used for evaluation of the therapeutic effects.

RESULTSAcupuncture could significantly improve spastic dyskinesia of the patient of hemiplegia due to stroke and increase daily living ability. After treatment, the neurological defect score was 16.56 +/- 7.97, ADL-Barthel index was 57.20 +/- 12.80 in the treatment group, and 21.62 +/- 7.17, 30.66 +/- 11.34 in the control group, with very significant differences (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture can improve spastic dyskinesia of the patient of hemiplegia due to stroke and increase daily living ability, but different needling methods have different effects.