Effect of MEP-oriented scalp acupuncture combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation on limb motor ability in patients with ischemic stroke hemiplegia.

Objectives: To observe the effect of motor evoked potential (MEP)-oriented scalp acupuncture combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on limb motor ability in patients with ischemic stroke hemiplegia.

Methods: A total of 60 patients with ischemic stroke hemiplegia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In addition to the medication treatment of internal medicine and comprehensive training of hemiplegic limbs, MEP-oriented scalp acupuncture combined with TMS was applied in the observation group, conventional scalp acupuncture at bilateral anterior oblique line of parietal and temporal regions combined with TMS was applied in the control group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks totally in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed in the two groups.

Results: After treatment, the FMA and MBI scores were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (<0.001), and the FMA and MBI scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the MAS scores of upper and lower limbs in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (<0.01, <0.001), the MAS score of lower limb in the control group was decreased compared with that before treatment (<0.05).

Conclusions: MEP-oriented scalp acupuncture combined with TMS can effectively improve the limb motor ability, daily living ability and limb spasticity in patients with ischemic stroke hemiplegia.