Shoulder-hand Syndrome after Stroke

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the balancing acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training therapy on shoulder-hand syndrome(SHS)after stroke.Methods:Sixty-four stroke patients with SHS were randomly allocated into 3 groups.The patients in the group A(n=21)accepted routine rehabilitation training therapy.The patients in the group B(n=21)were treated with balancing acupuncture only at points Piantan,Jiantong and Shengti,and the patients in group C(n=22)were treated with acupuncture plus rehabilitation training.Upper extremity motor function and pain were evaluated for assessment of therapeutic effects.Results:After treatment for 2 weeks,the scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA)and simple test for evaluating hand function(STEF)were significantly increased as compared with those before the treatment in all 3 groups.The patients in group C obtained significant improvement after therapy,and there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B.The total present pain intensity(PPI)scores were significantly reduced in all 3 groups.The PPI scores were decreased significantly after treatment in group C,and there was no difference between groups A and B.Conclusion:Balancing acupuncture with rehabilitation training therapy can facilitate the therapeutic effects on SHS after stroke and improve upper limb motor function.