OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy between the multi-directional stimulation technique and routine needling technique in the range of motion (ROM) of the lower limbs in patients of post-stroke spasmodic paralysis.

METHODSSixty patients were randomized into a multi-directional stimulation technique group and a routine needling technique group, 30 cases in each one. In the two groups, Biguan (ST 31), Fengshi (GB 31), Yang-lingquan (GB 34), Xiyangguan (GB 33), Zhongfeng (LR 4), Jiexi (ST 41), Qiuxu (GB 40), Kunlun (BL 60) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) on the affected side, scalp acupuncture sites and the acupoints on the upper limb of the affected side were selected. The even needling technique was used in the routine needling technique group and the multi-directional stimulation technique was used in the multi-directional stimulation technique group. The treatment was given once daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks totally. Before and after treatment, Fugl-Meyer function and Berg balance were scored. The three-dimensional gait analysis was adopted to analyze ROM of hip, knee and ankle joints.

RESULTSFugl-Meyer function score and Berg balance score were improved significantly after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.01). The scores in the multi-directional stimulation technique group were all higher than those in the routine needling technique group (<0.01,<0.05). The abduction and adduction of hip joints and flexion-extension ROM were all improved after treatment as comparedwith those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.05). The maximum flexibility and flexion extension ROM of knee joint were improved after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.05), and the changes in extension of knee joint were not apparent (both>0.05). After treatment, the maximal flexion and the flexion-extension ROM of knee joint in the multi-directional stimulation technique group were improved significantly as compared with those in the routine needling technique group (both<0.05). The maximal dorsal flexion of ankle joint in the multi-directional stimulation technique group after treatment was increased as compared with that before treatment (<0.05), and the change was better than that in the routine needling technique group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture effectively increases the maximal adduction angle and flexion-extension ROM of hip joint, and reduces abduction of hip joint. The multi-directional stimulation technique contributes to the flexion of knee joint and dorsal flexion of ankle joint and the maintenance of limb balance. The efficacy of it is better than that of routine acupuncture stimulation technique.