OBJECTIVETo compare the effects between plum-blossom needle tapping at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with rehabilitation and simple rehabilitation for ataxia of cerebellar apoplexy.

METHODSSixty patients with ataxia of cerebellar apoplexy were randomly divided into an observation group,and a control group,30 cases in each one. Conventional rehabilitation training was applied in the control group. While based on the treatment as that of the control group, plum-blossom needle tapping at Jiaji (EX-B 2) was used in the observation group. All the treatment was given for 4 weeks. International cooperative ataxia rating scale (ICARS), Berg balance scale (BBS) and Barthel index (BD were observed before treatment,after 2-week treatment and 4-week treatment. Also, clinical effects After treating for 2 weeks and for 4 weeks, the results of ICARS,BBS and BI were obvi were compared.

RESULTSAfter treating for 2 weeksand for 4 weeks, the results of ICARS, BBS and BI were obviously better than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). After 2-week treatment,there was no sta tistical significance between the two groups (all P>0. 05). After 4-week treatment,all the scores of the observation group were apparently superior to those of the control group (all P<0. 05). The total effective rate was 96. 7% (29/30) in the observation group, better than 80. 0% (24/30) in the control group after 4-week treatment (P<0. 05). CCONCLUSION:Plum-blossom needle tapping at Jiaji(EX-B 2) combined with rehabilitation training markedly improve the coordination and balance functions and activities of daily life, which are better than simple rehabilitation.