Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on hand dysfunction after stroke. Methods Forty hemiplegic patients after stroke were selected from a multi-center large-scale trail, belonged to rehabilitation group (n=20) and electroacupuncture group (n=20), who accepted routine rehabilitation and additional electroacupuncture, respectively, for six weeks. They were assessed with Brunnstrom Grade, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and modified Barthel index (MBI) before treatment, two, four and six weeks during treatment, and twelve weeks after treatment. Results There were differences between two groups in scores of FMA, WMFT and total time to complete WMFT twelve weeks after treatment (t>1.900, P<0.05). There was no difference between two groups in scores of MBI and Brunnstrom Grade (t=0.532, Z<1.79, P>0.05), but electroacupuncture group seemed to improve more. Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the muscle strength for patients in flaccid paralysis, and promote the recovery of hand function for patients after stroke.

Key words: stroke, electroacupuncture, hand function, rehabilitation