Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture Method Combined with Temporal Three-Needle in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the difference between the clinical effectiveness of two acupuncture methods in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and provide more evidence-based medical evidence of acupuncture's effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation. METHODS: We conducted an outcome assessor-and data analyst-blinded, randomized, and controlled trial. Seventy-two participants were randomly allocated to the observation group and control group with a 1 : 1 allocation ratio by the generating of a random number table.The observation group received the “Xingnao kaiqiao” acupuncture method combined with “Temporal three needles,” and the control group received conventional acupuncture “Scalp acupuncture” combined with the traditional “body acupuncture” method. The acupuncture treatment was performed once per day for one week by trained acupuncturists. Both groups underwent secondary prevention of cerebral infarction and received a 3-months' followup. After a 1-week acupuncture intervention, the changes of NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) scores, Percent Change and Absolute Change of NIHSS scores, MBI (Modified Barthel Index), and the rate of MBI ≥ 80 in two groups were observed. After 3 months' followup, the mRS (Modified Ranking Scale) and the clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The apparent efficiency rate of the observation group was 63.9%, higher than 19.4% of the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, NIHSS scores, Percent Change, and Absolute Change of NIHSS scores in the observation group had a significant reduction than the control group (all P < 0.05). MBI in the observation group increased significantly more than in the control group (P < 0.05), but the rate of MBI ≥ 80 in the two groups was not significantly different (P > 0.05). After 3 months' of followup, the mRS score frequencies of the observation group were not statistically different from the control group (P > 0.05). The rate of mRS scores of 0–1 in the observation and control group were 55.6% and 38.9%, and there was no significant difference either (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with “Scalp acupuncture” combined with “body acupuncture,” “Xingnao kaiqiao” acupuncture method combined with “Temporal three-needle” had superiority in the improvement of neurological deficit, potential functional disability, and score of basic activities of daily living. As to the independent rate to basic activities of daily living and good prognosis of 3 months, there were no statistical differences.