Abstract: Objective To explore the interactive effect of acupuncture and exercise on severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods 120 comatose patients following TBI after routine surgery were equally divided into combined group (acupuncture and exercise), acupuncture group, exercise group, and control group (neither acupuncture, nor exercise). They were assessed with Glasgow coma scale (GCS),Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), modified Brathel index (MBI) and neurological deficit scores (modified Edinburgh-Scandinavia stroke scale, MESSS) before and after the treatment. Results The scores of GCS, FMA, MESSS and MBI improved more in the combined group than in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of GCS and MESSS improved more in the acupuncture group and the exercise group than in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of MESSS improved more in the combined group than in the exercise group (P<0.01). Conclusion Both acupuncture and exercise can synergetically reduce the disability and coma of comatose patients following TBI.

Key words: traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation, acupuncture, exercise therapy