Effects Of Mirror Therapy Combined With Tongdu Xingshen Acupuncture On Upper Extremity Function In Post-stroke Patients

Objective:This study is aimed to explore the effects of mirror therapy combined with Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture on the upper extremity function of post-stroke patients.To observe the clinical efficacy of combination therapy and to explore a new way of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.To provide the direction for improving the quality of life of stroke patients.Methods:Sixty post-stroke patients were randomly assigned to a mirror group(n=20)or a acupuncture group(n=20)or a combined group(n=20).All groups received routine rehabilitation treatment.In addition,they were treated with mirror therapy,Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture treatment,mirror therapy combined with Tongdu Xingshen acupuncture treatment for 4 weeks,respectively.Before treatment and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment,all patients were assessed using the Fugl Meyer assessment of motor recovery(FMA),the Brunnstrom stage of upper limb and hand,the Barthel Index(BI)and the contralateral hemiplegia wrist extension active range of motion(AROM).Results:After 2 weeks,4 weeks,the upper extremity Fugl Meyer assessment of motor recovery(FMA),the Brunnstrom stage of upper limb and hand,hemiplegia carpal dorsal extensor AROM and BI scores in three groups had all significantly increased compared with pre-treatment.At the 2nd week and 4th week evaluations,the upper limb movement FMA score,Brunnstrom stage of upper limb and hand,hemiplegia side wrist dorsiflexion AROM in the combined group increased significantly when compared to the mirror group and acupuncture group.At the 2nd week,the Barthel Index(BI)were significantly higher than in the acupuncture group,by the 4th week the Barthel Index scores in the combined group significantly higher than in the mirror group and acupuncture group.Conclusions:mirror therapy combined with Tungdu Xingshen acupuncture can improve the functional performance of the upper extremities of stroke patients.