The Effect of Different Acupuncture Therapies on Neurological Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2371084 · Published: October 27, 2019

Alternative Medicine Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effectiveness of different acupuncture therapies for treating spinal cord injuries (SCI) by analyzing previous research. It focuses on how these therapies impact motor function and daily living abilities in SCI patients. The research combines data from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare various acupuncture approaches, considering the location of acupoints used in each therapy. By comparing different acupuncture therapies, the study aims to identify the most effective methods for improving motor function and daily living ability in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

1644 participants

Evidence Level

Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Key Findings

1
Exercise combined with electro-acupuncture (EA) is more effective than exercise alone in improving the ASIA motor score.
2
EA is associated with significantly higher improvement in the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score compared to exercise alone, except for EA of head+limbs and limbs.
3
EA on the head+back and back+front (chest and abdomen) ranks the top in both increasing the ASIA motor score and the MBI score.

Research Summary

This network meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of various acupuncture therapies for SCI in improving motor function and daily living ability. Preliminary analysis showed that except for head + limbs and limbs therapy, all other therapies improved patients’ muscle strength and daily living ability comparing with conventional rehabilitation training (and drugs). The main results of the ranking chart showed that the acupuncture on the back + front, the back + head is most effective in improving muscle strength, followed by the back and back + limbs, head + limbs, limbs, back + front + limbs, and simple rehabilitation training (and drugs).

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The findings suggest that acupuncture, particularly on the back+front or head+back, can be an effective treatment for SCI to improve motor function and daily living ability.

Research

Future studies should further investigate the specific mechanisms of acupuncture and explore optimal acupoint combinations for SCI treatment.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Integrating acupuncture, especially EA on specific body regions, with exercise may enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The categorizing strategy in this article is not the ideal way.
2
Due to the limited number of relevant studies, this analysis has not been able to further classify and evaluate the selection of acupoints and meridians and their efficacy.
3
Most of the included trials did not provide the details of their allocation concealment.

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