OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment of stroke at subacute stage.

METHODSOne hundred patients at subacute stage of cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage with scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) less than 26 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,50 cases in each one. Based on the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar and anticoagulation,cognitive rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group,acupuncture was applied in the observation group. The acupoints were Baihui(GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Yintang(GV 29), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong(LR 3). Sishencong(EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24) and Yintang (GV 29) were connected to electroacupuncture apparatus. The treatment was given once a day,5 times a week, and 8-week treatment was acquired in the two groups. In the 4th week and the 8th week,limbs motor function, daily life ability and cognitive function were evaluated by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale,Bathel index and MoCA scale.

RESULTSIn 4 weeks and 8 weeks, the scores of FMA, Bathel index and MoCA in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). After 8-week treatment, the scores of Bathel index and MoCA in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBased on the cognitive rehabilitation training and the conventional treatment, acupuncture can improve the cognitive function and daily life ability of stroke patients at subacute stage with mild cognitive impairment.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; psychology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; psychology ; therapy

Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture on walk ability and motor function of lower limbs in subacute stage of cerebral stroke.Method A hundred patients in subacute stage of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage and scored 4-24 according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by rehabilitation training, while the treatment group was additionally intervened by acupuncture. The neural deficit degree (NIHSS score), motor function of lower limbs [Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)], activities of daily life [Barthel Index(BI)], and ambulation ability [Functional Ambulation Category (FAC)] were evaluated before and after intervention.Result After 1 treatment course, the NIHSS score was significantly changed in the treatment group compared to that before intervention (P<0.05). The NIHSS scores after 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that before intervention and that after 1 treatment course in both groups (P<0.05). In both groups, the FMA score, BI, and FAC score after 1 treatment course and 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that before intervention (P<0.05). The FMA and FAC scores after 2 treatment courses were significantly different from that after 1 treatment course in both groups (P<0.05). After 2 treatment courses, there were significant differences in comparing the NIHSS score, FMA, BI, and FAC scores between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the ambulation ability, neural deficit, motor function of lower limbs, and activities of daily life of hemiplegia patients in subacute stage of cerebral stroke.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of long-time needle retaining at scalp acupoints plus body acupuncture in treating motor dysfunction in the sub-acute stage of cerebral stroke.Method A hundred patients in sub-acute stage of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage scored 4-24 by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by dry rehabilitation training, while the treatment group was additionally intervened by long-time needle retaining at scalp acupoints (6-8 h) plus body acupuncture. The neural functional deficit, motor function, and activities of daily life were estimated and compared respectively by using NIHSS, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA), and Barthel Index (BI).Result The NIHSS score was significantly changed in the treatment group after 1 treatment course (P<0.05). After 2 treatment courses, the NIHSS scores were significantly changed in both groups compared to that before treatment (P<0.05). The FMA and BI scores were remarkably changed in both groups respectively after 1 and 2 treatment courses compared to that before treatment (P<0.05). After 2 treatment courses, there were significant differences in comparing the NIHSS score and BI score between the two groups.Conclusion Long-time needle retaining at Scalp acupoints plus body acupuncture can improve the neural function deficit, motor function, and activities of daily life in sub-acute stage of cerebral stroke.

Objective To summarize and analyze regularities in clinical use of acupoint application for headache. Method Fifth version Chinese Medical Classics database was searched. Thirty-three library-stored ancient books were searched manually. The ancient literature included for the study was sorted out. Descriptive statistical analysis was made of classification, point selection, used medicine, excipients and dosage forms for acupoint application for headache. Result A total of 51 pieces of literature was included. Statistical analysis showed that there were nine kinds of disease names, three types of classification-based treatment, eight acupoints, fifty kinds of medicines, eight hinds of excipients and five kinds of dosage forms. Conclusion Headache is the most basic nomenclature for pains in the head. Classification-based treatment fully embodies the idea of treatment based on disease differentiation mainly in combination with syndrome differentiation. Point Taiyang is the main point for local selection of point. The most frequently selected medicines are those of going through meridians, opening the orifices, unblocking collaterals and having thick smells. Blistering medicines are used cautiously. Scallion juice is most frequently used as excipients. Medicinal cakes are dosage forms most suitable for acupoint application for headache.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects on post-stroke depression treated with acupuncture at the acu points based on ziwuliuzhu (the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory).

METHODSNinety-three patients were randomized into a comprehensive group, a ziwuliuzhu group and a prozac group, 31 cases in each group. In the ziwuliuzhu group, acupuncture was applied to the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu, once a day, 5 times in a week. In the prozac group, fluoxertine hydrochloride (prozac) was prescribed for oral administration, once a day, 20 mg each time. In the comprehensive group, acupuncture based on ziwuliuzhu combined with the oral administration of prozac were adopted and the treatment frequency was the same as the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group. The 4-week treatment was taken as one session in the three groups and 6 sessions were required totally. The clinical efficacy and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) score and the adverse reaction were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 96.8% (30/31) in the comprehensive group, better than 83.9% (26/31) in the ziwuliuzhu group and 80. 6% (25/31) in the prozac group (both P<0.05). In 4, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score was lower significantly than that before the treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the score in the comprehensive group at each time point after treatment was lower than the other two groups (all P<0.05). In 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, there were not different significantly between the ziwuliuzhu group and the prozac group (both P>0.05). In 24 weeks of treatment, HAMD score in the ziwuliuzhu group was lower than that in the prozac group (P<0.05). For the adverse reaction, there were 2 cases in the comprehensive group, 6 cases in the prozac group and 0 case in the ziwzuliuzhu group.

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive therapy of acupuncture at the acupoints based on ziwuliuzhu and oral administration of prozac is superior to either the simple oral administration of prozac or the ziwuliuzhu acu-puncture in terms of clinical efficacy and the improvements in depressive state. Regarding the clinical efficacy, the impact of simple ziwuliuzhu acupuncture is not different significantly as compared with the simple oral administration of prozac, but it is better than the simple oral administration of prozac in terms of the long-term HAMD score and safety.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Depression ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To investigate whether grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) can alleviate cognitive decline and other pathologic features in early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) using transgenic mice with 5 familial AD mutations (5XFAD). Methods: The genotype of transgenic mice was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 40 transgenic mice (1.5 months old) were randomly and equally allocated to an AD model group (5XFAD group) or a grain-sized moxibustion group (5XFAD + GM group), with 20 wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J) serving as the normal control group (WT group). Mice in the 5XFAD + GM group were treated by grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23). Mice in the WT group and 5XFAD group received no treatment but were restrained to ensure exposure to a similar experimental condition. Cognitive function and memory were assessed with the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests. The amyloid β 40 (Aβ40) and amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) levels in the brain were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; amyloid plaque deposition in brain tissue sections was detected by thioflavin-S staining; the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: In the Morris water maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, mice in the 5XFAD + GM group had a shorter escape latency and more target area crossings and spent more time in the target quadrant (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, the number of training times of the 5XFAD + GM group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), together with more correct responses (P<0.05). Compared with the 5XFAD group, the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain tissue of the 5XFAD + GM group were significantly lower (P<0.05); in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the total number of amyloid β plaque deposition were significantly lower (P<0.05); the expression levels of GFAP and CD11b were significantly reduced (P<0.05); and the expression levels of ChAT and BDNF were significantly increased (P<0.05).Conclusion: Grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) greatly improves learning and memory functions, decreases the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, inhibits amyloid β plaque deposition, decreases the expression of GFAP and CD11b, and increases the expression of ChAT and BDNF in AD mice to inhibit the progression of AD.

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) on early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) in transgenosis AD mice.

METHODSThe genotyping of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1(APP/PS1I) double-transgenic AD mice were detected by PCR method. Seventeen 1.5-month female transgenic (Tg 6799) mice were randomly divided into a model group (9 cases) and a treatment group (8 cases). Nine female C57BL/6J wild-type mice with identical age and background were selected into a normal group. The treatment group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral "Xinshu" (BI. 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), once a day, ten treatments were considered as one course, and total 9 courses were given. The model group and normal group were treated with stimulus such as grabbing, immobilization and non-ignited moxa cone. Morris water maze (escape latency, crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant) was applied to evaluate the learning and memory ability. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphology changes in the brains of AD mice. beta-amyloid protein 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) in the area of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSAfter the treatment of grain-sized moxibustion, learning and memory ability in the treatment group was increased; compared with the model group, the escape latency was shorten, crossing times was increased, and dwell time in the target quadrant was prolonged (all P<0. 05). The crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant in the treatment group were not significantly different from those in the normal group (both P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the model group were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the treatment group were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) could significantly improve the learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 double- transgenic AD mice, and inhibit the over expression and accumulation of Abeta(1-42).

Alzheimer Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; psychology ; therapy ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Transgenic ; Moxibustion ; Peptide Fragments ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prefrontal Cortex ; metabolism

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating post-stroke urinary incontinence. Method Ninety patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by heat-sensitive moxibustion at Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), while the control group was by moxa-box moxibustion. After 4-week treatment, the two groups were compared with each in the incontinence grading and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).Result After treatment, the incontinence grading and ADL scores were significantly changed in both groups (P<0.05). The incontinence grading and ADL scores of the treatment group were significantly different from that of the control group after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion Heat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the post-stroke urinary incontinence and ADL.

Objective To observe the effect of proximal needling at Tianzhu (BL10) plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone on the lower-limb motor function and walking function in cerebral stroke patients.Method A hundred cerebral stroke patients were randomized into a rehabilitation group and a proximal needling group. The rehabilitation group was intervened by balance training and conventional rehabilitation exercises; the proximal needling group was intervened by proximal needling at Tianzhu plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone in addition to the treatment given to the rehabilitation group. The interventions weregiven once a day, 5 times a week, successively for 4 weeks. Prior to the intervention and after 4-week treatment, the lower-limb motor function and walking function were estimated by using lower-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), time taken for 10-meter walk, and Holden's Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC).Result After 4-week treatment, the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC were significantly enhanced in both groups compared to the indexes prior to the treatment (P<0.01); the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC in the proximal needling group were significantly superior to those in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05).Conclusion In addition to conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture, proximal needling at Tianzhuplus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone can increasethe lower-limb motor function score and promote the activities of daily life in cerebral stroke patients; it can also strengthen the security in walking and keep the patients from falling down.

OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical effect of the penetration acupuncture at the acupoints of governor vessel(GV) and bladder meridian on head for mild cognitive disorder after stroke.

METHODSOne hundred and ten patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 55 cases in each one. Penetration acupuncture was used at the acupoints of GV and bladder meridian on head in the observation group,namely Wuchu (BL 5) to Chengguang (BL 6) and Tongtian (BL 7) to Luoque (BL 8) bilaterally, and Shenting (GV 24) to Xinhui (GV 22), Qianding (GV 21) to Baihui (GV 20), Houding (GV 19) to Qiangjian (GV 18). Body acupuncture and conventional western medication were applied in the both two groups. Acupuncture was adopted once a day, five times a week and eight weeks totally. The changes of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini mental state examination scale(MMSE), self-rating depressive scale (SDS) and activities of daily living scale (Barthel index) were compared between the two groups before treatment, in the middle of treatment(at the forth week) after treatment(at the eighth week) and in three weeks after treatment(follow-up).

RESULTSAfter treatment of four and eight weeks and at the time of follow-up, the results of MoCA, MMSE, SDS and Barthel index were apparently im proved compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatment of eight weeks and at the time of follow-up, the scores of MoCA and SDS were obviously improved in the observation group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The improvements of MMSE in the observation group were more marked than those in the control group at all times (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). But there was no statistical significance about the change of Barthel index between the two groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPenetration acupuncture at the acupoints of GV and bladder meridian on head can remarkablely improve the cognitive function of the patients with mild cognitive disorder after stroke,and have some efficacy of relieving the bad mood such as depression.

Activities of Daily Living ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; etiology ; psychology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Meridians ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome