OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the clinical therapeutic effects on mild and moderate lumbar disc herniation (LDH) of blood stagnation syndrome between-conducting needling technique at the governor vessel acupoints combined with electroacupuncture (EA) and conventional EA.

METHODSTwo hundred and one patients of LDH at the mild and moderate stage, differentiated as blood stagnation syndrome were randomized into an observation group (101 cases) and a control group (100 cases). In the observation group, the-conducting needling technique at the governor vessel acupoints and EA were used. The acupoints were Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Shiqizhui (EX-B 8), Huantiao (GB 30) and Yanglingquan (GB 34). Afterarrival, the-conducting needling technique was used at Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Shiqizhui (EX-B 8); the EA was at Huantiao (GB 30) and Yanglingquan (GB 34). The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week. The treatment for 12 times was as one session. The observation lasted for 1 session. In the control group, the acupoints were the same as the observation group and stimulated with EA. The EA parameters, treatment frequency and duration were all the same as the observation group. The lumbar back pain score of Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) score before treatment, after treatment and in 3-month follow-up visit in the two groups, the infrared thermogram temperature in lumbar region and the relaxation area under curve (RAUC) before and after treatment as well as the short-term and the long-term therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total short-term effective rate was 89.11% (90/101) and the total long-term effective rate was 91.11% (82/90) in the observation group, and those were 86.00% (86/100) and 89.53% (77/86) in the control group respectively, without significant differences between the groups (both>0.05). The short-term clinical curative rate was 52.48% (53/101) and the long-term clinical curative rate was 55.56% (50/90) in the observation group, better than 36.00% (36/100) and 34.88% (30/86) in the control group (both<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, JOA scores were all improved after treatment and in follow-up visit in the two groups (all<0.01), without statistical significance at each time point between the two groups (all>0.05). The infrared thermogram temperature was improved after treatment in the two groups (both<0.01). The increasing amplitude in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.01). The lumbar RAUC after treatment was increased apparently as compared with that before treatment in the observation group (<0.01) and larger than that in the control group (<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe-conducting needling technique at the governor vessel acupoints combined with EA achieve the better clinical therapeutic effects than regular EA in the treatment of mild and moderate LDH of blood stagnation sydrome.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of modified electrical superficial surround acupuncture in treating postherpetic neuralgia. Method One hundred and eighty-six patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly allocated to electrical acupuncture, superficial acupuncture and electrical superficial acupuncture groups, 62 cases each. All the three groups were given acupuncture at ashi points around the painful region. The electrical acupuncture group received electroacupuncture alone. The superficial acupuncture group received sweeping-dispersing manipulation and following 24-hour retention of the soft tube. The electrical superficial acupuncture group received sweeping-dispersing manipulation based on modified superficial acupuncture and following electroacupuncture, without retention of the soft tube after the completion of treatment. The therapeutic effects were evaluated and compared after one course of treatment. Result There was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in the VAS score in the three groups (P<0.01). There was a statistically significant post-treatment difference in the VAS score between the electrical superficial acupuncture group and the electrical acupuncture or superficial acupuncture group (P<0.01) but no between the electrical acupuncture and superficial acupuncture groups (P>0.05). The evaluation of the therapeutic effects according to WHO pain rating showed that the marked efficacy rate and the total efficacy rate were 45.2% and 82.3%, respectively, in the electrical acupuncture group, 52.3% and 88.7%, respectively, in the superficial acupuncture group and 62.9% and 91.9%, respectively, in the electrical superficial acupuncture group. There was no statistically significant difference in the total efficacy rate between the three groups (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the marked efficacy rate between the electrical acupuncture and electrical superficial acupuncture groups (P<0.05)but no between the electrical acupuncture and superficial acupuncture groups (P>0.05) and between the superficial acupuncture and electrical superficial acupuncture groups(P>0.05). Conclusion The therapeutic effect of electrical superficial acupuncture is better than that of superficial acupuncture and electrical acupuncture. Electrical superficial acupuncture is characterized by selection of few points, small number of treatments and meanwhile, avoidance of potential medical risks.

Objective: To investigate the community promotion feasibility of superficial needling plus club swing for post-stroke motion impairment of the shoulder joint. Methods:A total of 180 cases (duration <1.5 years) with post-stroke motion impairment of the shoulder joint were recruited from three community health centers in Changning District, 60 from each community. They were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=90) and a control group (n=90). Patients in both groups received standard internal and rehabilitation care. Patients in the observation group received additional superficial needling plus club swing. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was conducted before and 60 d after the treatment to evaluate the severity of shoulder pain. The active movement of the shoulder joint and activities of daily living (ADL) were also observed. Results:There were no between-group statistical differences before the treatment (allP>0.05). After a 60-day treatment, the shoulder pain severity, active range of motion of the shoulder joint and ADL in the observation group were significantly improved than those in the control group (allP<0.01). In addition, no adverse events were reported by participants in the observation group. Conclusion:Superficial needling plus club swing plays a positive role in improving post-stroke motion impairment of the shoulder joint. This safe, reliable and economical therapy has good patient compliance and is suitable for community promotion.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy differences between modified lateral position and prone position in patients treated with electroacupuncture (EA) for lumbar herniated disc (LHD).

METHODSSeventy-six patients with LHD were randomly divided into a lateral position group and a prone position group, 38 cases in each one. The acupoint selection and treatment method were identical in the two groups except the position. Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Dachangshu (BL 25), Xiaochangshu (BL 27), Zhibian (BL 54) and Huantiao (GB 30) were selected. EA was given three times a week, ten times were taken as one course and totally 20 times were given. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scale were taken as efficacy criteria, which were evaluated before and after treatment as well as one month after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, VAS and JOA were significantly improved in the two groups (lateral position group:JOA 10.60±2.60 vs 18.92±3.87, VAS 8.13±0.99 vs 2.34±0.81; prone position group:JOA 10.94±2.06 vs 17.02±3.96, VAS 8.02±1.05 vs 2.86±0.96, all<0.01); the VAS and JOA in the lateral position group were higher than those in the prone position group (both<0.05). One month after treatment, VAS and JOA were significantly improved in the two groups (all<0.01), which was more significant in the lateral position group (both<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment position could influence the efficacy of EA for LHD, and lateral position pre-sents certain advantages to prone position group.

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the efficacy on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) between acupuncture at the acupoints on the axillary nerve distribution and the regular selection of acupoints. Methods Eighty patients of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 ca.ses in each one. In the observation group, Jianjing (GB 21), Jianzhen (SI 9), Jianliao (TE 14) , Jianyu (LI 15) , Quyuan (SI 13), Tianzong (SI 11) and the trigger points in the scalpular region were selected along the axillary nerve distribution. The Hegu needling was adopted at the trigger points and stimulated with electric apparatus, continuous wave, 1Hz. In the control group, Dazhui (GV 14), Tianzhu (BL 10), Houxi (SI 3), cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) were selected and stimulated with the regular acupuncture. Electric stimulation was added at cervical Jiaii (EX-B 2), with continuous wave, 1Hz. The needles were retained for 30 min in the two groups, once every two days and 10 treatments made one session. The efficacy was assessed in one session of treatment. The 20-point scale of CSR developed by Japanese scholar, Tanaka Yasuhisa, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were adopted to score the clinical symptoms and pain degree before and after treatment in the patients and assess the efficacy of the two groups.

RESULTSThe symptom scores and VAS scores after treatment were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0. 05, P<0. 01), and the results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both P<0. 05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 85. 0% (34/40), better than 71. 8% (28/39) in the control group (P<0. 05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture at the acupoints on the axillary nerve distribution achieves the definite efficacy on CSR, better I than the regular acupuncture at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2).

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Axilla ; innervation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Radiculopathy ; therapy ; Shoulder Pain ; therapy ; Spondylosis ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of neck point Bailao injection as main therapy plus acupuncture for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Method Two hundred patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were randomly allocated to treatment (neck point Bailao injection as main therapy plus acupuncture) and control (oral administration of Western medicines, e.g. nonsteroid diclofenac sodium as a main drug and meanwhile, mecobalamin tablets) groups. The therapeutic effects and pre-/post-treatment changes in clinical symptoms and signs, TCM syndrome, pains and numbness were observed in the two groups. Result The total efficacy rate was 86.0%in the treatment group and 75.0%in the control group;there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was higher in the treatment group than in the control group. There were statistically significant differences in pre-/post-treatment clinical symptom and sign score difference values between the treatment and control groups (P<0.01), indicating that the symptoms and signs improved more in the treatment group than in control group. Conclusion Both treatments can improve the clinical symptoms and signs and relieve pains in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, but neck point Bailao injection as main therapy plus acupuncture is more effective than oral administration of Western medicines.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 plays an important role in the inhibition of articular cartilage degeneration and destruction.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 expression level in synovium of knee osteoarthritis rats after treated with penetration needling of long needle.
METHODS: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into normal group, penetration needling group, drug group and model group, with 10 rats in every group. 1.6% papain solution was injected into knee joint cavity of Sprague-Dawley rats. 2 weeks later, knee osteoarthritis models were established. Rats in the normal and model groups did not receive any intervention. In the penetration needling group, rats were treated by penetration needling with 0.3 mm×125.0 mm filiform needle. Rats in the drug group were intraarticularly injected with sodium hyaluronate.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay: at 4 weeks after treatment, matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 expression in synovial membrane was higher in the normal group than in the model group (P < 0.05). Matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 expression in synovial membrane was higher in the penetration needling group and drug group than in the model group (P < 0.05). (2) Results verified that long needle penetration therapy can effectively increase matrix metal oproteinase inhibitor 1 expression in synovial membrane of knee osteoarthritis model rats.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of qi-guiding needling plus electroacupuncture in treating intractable low back pain after lumbar disc herniation surgery and the change of infrared thermal image.Method Totally 172 patients with intractable low back pain after lumbar disc herniation surgery were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 86 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by qi-guiding needling plus electroacupuncture, while the control group was by electroacupuncture alone. The infrared thermal image of the affected low back area was observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result The change of infrared thermal image of the affected low back area in the treatment group after intervention was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate and the recovery-markedly-effective rate were respectively 87.2% and 66.3% in the treatment group, versus 74.4% and 37.2% in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Qi-guiding needling plus electroacupuncture can mitigate the intractable low back pain after lumbar disc herniation surgery.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combining tuina and Chinese herbal fumigation for chronic ankle sprain.
Methods:A total of 93 cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=47) and a control group (n=46) according to the table of random number. Cases in the observation group received tuina combining with Chinese herbal fumigation, whereas cases in the control group received oral blood-circulating and pain-alleviating capsules combining with Chinese herbal fumigation. Both tuina and Chinese herbal fumigation were done once every other day and 10 times made up a course of treatment. The Baird-Jackson ankle scoring system and clinical efficacy were observed after 1 course of treatment.
Results:After treatment, except for radiographic findings, there were significant intra-group differences in individual item scores of Baird-Jackson (P<0.05,P<0.01); except for ankle joint range of motion (ROM), there were significant between- group differences in individual item scores and total score (P<0.01). The excellence and good rate was 76.6% in the observation group, versus 54.4% in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05).
Conclusion:Combining Chinese herbal fumigation and tuina based on the muscle region theory can obtain better effect than combining oral blood-circulating and pain-alleviating capsules and Chinese herbal fumigation for chronic ankle sprain.

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on peripheral facial paralysis in acute period and changes in facial nerve F-wave.
Methods:A total of 148 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=74) and a control group (n=74) by their visiting sequence. In addition to oral Prednisone and Aciclovir tablets, patients in the observation group received point-towards-point acupuncture therapy, whereas patients in the control group received routine acupuncture therapy. The treatment was done once a day and 6 times made up a course of treatment. The efficacy evaluation was made after 2 courses. The electromyography (EMG) F-wave was monitored before and after treatment.
Results:After 2 courses of treatment, the recovery rate and total effective rate were 47.3% and 94.6% respectively in the observation group, versus 20.3% and 82.4% in the control group, showing statistical differences (P<0.01). Before treatment, the facial nerve F-wave latency on the affected side was prolonged and its frequency of occurrence was decreased in both groups. After treatment, the F-wave latency and frequency of occurrence were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05) and there were significant between-group differences (P<0.05).
Conclusion:In addition to Western medication, point-towards-point acupuncture therapy can obtain more accurate and better effect than routine acupuncture therapy for acute peripheral facial paralysis.