Effect of acupuncture combined with somatosensory music on upper limb spastic motor function recovery after stroke

Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture combined with somatosensory music on the recovery of upper limb spastic motor function after stroke. Method 52 patients with stroke treated at our hospital from January to December, 2017 were selected as a control group, and 50 from January to October, 2018 an intervention group. The control group were treated with acupuncture and took rehabilitation training; in addition, the intervention group were treated with somatosensory music. One month later, the upper limb function of the patients was assessed with the Ashworth Spasm Scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer Upper Limb Function Assessment (FMA). Results The MAS scores before and after the treatment were (3.01±1.03) and (1.81±0.94) in the intervention group, and were (2.96±0.88) and (2.77±0.81) in the control group, with statistical difference between before and after the treatment in both groups as well as between the these two group after the treatment (all P<0.05). The FMA scores of affected upper limbs before and after the treatment were (21.59±5.11) and (40.65±5.48) in intervention group, and were (22.40±5.28) and (26.53±5.61) in the control group, with statistical difference between before and after the treatment in both groups as well as between the these two group after the treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture combined with somatosensory music can reduce the degree of muscle tension and spasm in patients with upper limb spasm after stroke, so as to improve the motor function of upper limbs. Key words: Upper limb spasm after stroke; Acupuncture; Somatosensory music therapy; Motor function