Effect of Specific Acupuncture Therapy Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5671998 · Published: December 26, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining specific acupuncture with rehabilitation for patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Participants were divided into three groups: one receiving continuous acupuncture, one receiving intermittent acupuncture, and a control group receiving only rehabilitation. The study measured motor and sensory function, as well as daily living abilities, to determine if acupuncture improved these outcomes. The primary goal was to see if acupuncture, at different frequencies, could enhance motor skills compared to just rehabilitation alone. The study also looked at whether acupuncture could improve sensory function and the ability to perform daily tasks. The results showed that continuous acupuncture, administered five times a week, led to better motor skill improvement and enhanced ability to perform daily tasks compared to both intermittent acupuncture and the control group. This suggests that more frequent acupuncture may provide greater benefits for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

August 2018 to December 2019

Participants

72 participants diagnosed with incomplete SCI

Evidence Level

Randomized controlled clinical trial

Key Findings

1
The CAT group had a higher motor score and MBI score increase than the control group.
2
CAT group had more increase in motor score and MBI than IAT group.
3
The difference among groups in the increase of sensory score was not statistically significant.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the ideal dosage of acupuncture therapy combined with rehabilitation training for SCI in improving neural function and daily living ability. Acupuncture improved ASIA Motor Score and Modiﬁed Barthel Index in patients with SCI and seemed to have no eﬀect in improving the sensory score in this study. Based on the ﬁndings of this clinical trial, the recommended dosage of acupuncture for SCI is 5/week.

Practical Implications

Dosage Recommendation

Acupuncture dosage of 5 times per week is more effective than 3 times per week for improving motor function and daily living ability in patients with incomplete SCI.

Clinical Practice

Acupuncture can be considered a safe and effective treatment option for SCI, particularly in conjunction with routine rehabilitation training.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture and to explore its long-term effects on SCI recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of this study was limited.
2
The study did not contain a long time follow-up to study long-term eﬀects.
3
There might have been a placebo eﬀect on the two acupuncture groups which may have aﬀected the results.

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