Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of electrical acupuncture therapy through adhesive surface electrodes and concomitant auricular acupuncture therapy on acute spinal cord injury.MethodsA total of 56 acute spinal cord injury patients with American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA) impairment grading of A and B were recruited into this study.They were randomly divided into the acupuncture and control groups.In the acupuncture group,electrical acupuncture therapy via the adhesive surface electrodes and auricular acupuncture were applied.Rehabilitation therapy was also provided to the patients during acupuncture therapy.In the control group,only rehabilitation therapy was provided to the patients.The ASIA neurologic and functional scores and the Functional Independence Measure(FIM) scores were assessed during the time of admission,hospital discharge,and 1-year postinjury follow-up.There were no adverse events.ResultsThere were significant improvements in neurologic(sensory and motor),functional,and FIM scores in the acupuncture group compared with the control either when hospital discharged or 1-year postinjury follow-up.There was no adverse events.ConclusionThe early use of concomitant auricular and electrical acupuncture therapies are effective and safe in treating acute spinal cord injury.

Key words: spinal cord injury, acupuncture, rehabilitation