《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2017, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (5): 591-594.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2017.05.022

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

RONG Ji-feng1, HUANG Qiang-min2, LIU Lin2, WANG Wei-ning1, ZHU Hui-wen1, SHI Wei1   

  1. 1. The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200090, China;
    2. Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
  • Received:2016-10-27 Revised:2016-12-02 Published:2017-05-25 Online:2017-05-24
  • Contact: HUANG Qiang-min. E-mail: huaqia404@aliyun.com

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 addition. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM) of ankle, simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for lower limbs and maximum walking speed (MWS) in ten metres before and six weeks after treatment. Results The scores of VAS, MAS, and FMA, the ROM of ankle, and MWS improved after treatment (t>6.845, P<0.001), and improved 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.

Key words: stroke, spasm, foot drop, foot inversion, acupuncture, myofascial trigger points

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