Effects of Acupuncture at Myofascial Trigger Points on Spastic Foot Drop and Inversion after Stroke

VernacularTitle:针刺肌筋膜疼痛触发点对脑卒中痉挛型足下垂和足内翻的疗效
Author: Jifeng RONG ; Qiangmin HUANG ; Lin LIU ; Weining WANG ; Huiwen ZHU ; Wei SHI
Keywords: stroke; spasm; foot drop; foot inversion; acupuncture; myofascial trigger points
From: Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2017;23(5):591-594
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To study the effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points on spastic foot drop and inversion after stroke. Methods From May, 2014 to May, 2016, 50 stroke patients were randomly divided into control group (n=25) and observation group (n=25). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the observation group accepted acupuncture at myofascial trigger points per day in addi-tion. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM) of ankle, sim-plified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for lower limbs and maximum walking speed (MWS) in ten metres before and six weeks after treat-ment. Results The scores of VAS, MAS, and FMA, the ROM of ankle, and MWS improved after treatment (t>6.845, P<0.001), and im-proved more in the observation group than in the control group (t>5.586, P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at myofascial trigger points can release spasm to reduce foot drop and inversion in patients with stroke.