Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2026, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (4): 437-444.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.04.007

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Effect of piercing electroacupuncture on functional ankle instability

DONG Haitao1, CUI Zhenyang2, GAO Qiang2, LI Jun1, LI Jing1()   

  1. 1 Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation, the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, China
    2 School of Rehabilitation, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, China
  • Received:2025-11-05 Revised:2026-03-05 Published:2026-04-25 Online:2026-05-06
  • Contact: LI Jing E-mail:15953630880@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Science and Technology Development Program of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University(2023FYQ014)

Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of piercing electroacupuncture on ankle muscle strength, dynamic balance and subjective stability in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI).

Methods A total of 48 patients with FAI admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University from April, 2024 to July, 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 24) and experimental group (n = 24). The control group received multimodal functional training, while the experimental group received piercing electroacupuncture in addition, for six weeks. Relative peak torque of ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion were measured with isokinetic muscle strength testing system before and after treatment, while Y-Balance Test (YBT) and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were adopted for evaluation.

Results One case dropped out in each group. Relative peak torque of ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion at each angular velocity, the normalized distance in each direction and composite score of YBT, as well as the score of CAIT increased in both groups after treatment (|t| > 2.891, P < 0.01), while all the indicators were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.104, P < 0.05), except dorsiflexion muscle strength.

Conclusion Combination of piercing electroacupuncture can further improve perimalleolar muscle strength, dynamic balance and subjective stability in patients with FAI.

Key words: functional ankle instability, piercing acupuncture, electroacupuncture, multimodal functional training

CLC Number: