Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of early electro-acupuncture treatment on prevention of post-operative adhesions.Methods40 rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, model group 1, model group 2, early electro-acupuncture group and later electro-acupuncture group with 8 animals in each group. Muscle adhesion model was established by operation. The early electro-acupuncture group was received the treatment from the 11th to 20th day after the operation; later electro-acupuncture group was from the 21st to 30th day after the operation. The weight, gait and range of motion (ROM) of animals were observed and analyzed.ResultsThe standing, walking and ROM of animals of the early electro-acupuncture group improved; but only few gait indexes improved and ROM not changed in the later electro-acupuncture group.ConclusionThe early electro-acupuncture treatment can prevent the post-operative adhesion of muscles, but not having effect on formed adhesion.

Key words: post-operative muscle adhesion, electro-acupuncture, gait analysis, range of motion