Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy of antagonistic muscle acupuncture on upper limb spasticity post stroke. Methods 120 patients with upper limb spastic hemiplegia post stroke were randomly divided into treatment group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Both groups accepted routine fundamental treatment and rehabilitation training, while the the treatment group received antagonistic muscle acupuncture and the control group received conventional acupuncture. They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel Index (BI) before and after 28-day treatment. Results The scores of MAS, FMA and BI improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01) and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The efficacy was more in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion Antagonistic muscle acupuncture can reduce the upper limb spasticity, and promote the recovery of motor function and activities of daily living.

Key words: stroke, spasticity, hemiplegia, antagonistic muscle, acupuncture