OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of acupuncture at the proximal and distal acupoints combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the children with cerebral palsy salivation on the basis of oral function training.

METHODSA total of 124 children were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 62 cases in each one. Oral function training (30 min a time) and NMES (20 min a time) were used in the two groups. Acupuncture was applied after NMES in the observation group. The main acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Speech AreaⅠ, Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Scalp acupuncture was for 1 h, and body acupuncture was for 30 min. Pricking blood was used at Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13) for the patients of Ⅴ in teacher salivation grading (TDS). All the treatment was given for 3 courses, 30 days as a course, 5 times a week, once a day. TDS, safety, dysphagia and Gesell development scale were assessed before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the total effective rate of TDS in the observation group was 83.9% (52/62), which was better than 58.1% (36/62) in the control group (<0.05). The total effective rate of dysphasia in the observation group was 88.7% (55/62), which was better than 69.4% (43/62) in the control group (<0.05). The lip and tongue movement, chewing and swallowing after treatment in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (all <0.05). After treatment, the Gesell development scale of adaptability, language behavior and personal social development quotient were better compared with those before treatment in the observation group (all <0.05); the language behavior improved after treatment in the control group (<0.05). The adaptability, language behavior and personal social development quotient after treatment in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (<0.05，<0.01). The adverse reactions in the observation group were less than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at the proximal and distal acupoints combined with NMES are better than simple NMES for children with cerebral palsy salivation. The methods could not only improve children's behavior cognitive ability, but also improve the sensation and motor coordination of the lip, tongue, pharynx, etc. As a result, the salivation and swallowing function improve.