[Effects of the improved acupoints and rehabilitation exercise on locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infarction]

Abstract

Objective: To search for an effective method for improving locomotor ability of upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infarction.

Methods: Five hundred and seventy-eight cases of stroke were randomly divided into 4 groups: an improved acupoints and rehabilitation exercise group (group A, n = 148), a rehabilitation exercise group (group B, n = 142), a routine acupoints and rehabilitation exercise group (group C, n = 144), and a medication group (group D, n = 144). The locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life were evaluated respectively by Fugl-Meyer (FMA) and Barthel (BMI).

Results: There were significant differences in FMA and BMI scores in all the groups after treatment as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05); after treatment, the effect in the group A was significantly superior to those in group B and C (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the group C and the group B.

Conclusion: The improved acupoints combined with rehabilitation exercise can improve locomotor ability of the upper limbs and ability of daily life in the patient of cerebral infarction.