Title : Clinical study of Du Mai moxibustion combined with shen needle regulation for abnormal muscle tone after cerebral infarction based on the theory of five movements and Six Qi
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Du Mai Moxibustion combined with Shen Needle Regulation in treating abnormal muscle tone following cerebral infarction, using the theoretical framework of Five Movements and Six Qi.
Methods: 80 patients with cerebral infarction resulting in abnormal muscle tone. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (n=40) received Du Mai Moxibustion combined with Shen Needle Regulation, and the control group (n=40) received conventional acupuncture therapy. The intervention period lasted for 8 weeks, with treatments administered three times a week. Primary outcomes included muscle tone evaluation using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), motor function via the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and quality of life through the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). Secondary outcomes measured were spasticity levels using the Tardieu Scale, daily living activities assessed by the Barthel Index, and overall treatment satisfaction rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-treatment.
Results: the treatment group showed a significant improvement in muscle tone reduction compared to the control group, with a mean decrease in MAS scores from 2.89±0.63 to 1.43±0.54 (P<0.05). Motor function scores (FMA) improved significantly in the treatment group, from 45.37±8.23 to 65.71±7.91, whereas the control group showed a lesser improvement from 44.83±8.53 to 55.31±8.11 (P<0.05). Quality of Life Scores (SS-QOL) also improved more in the treatment group, from 152.37±15.63 to 178.63±12.43, compared to the control group's improvement from 150.73±14.93 to 162.43±13.83 (P<0.05).In addition, the treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in spasticity levels as measured by the Tardieu Scale, with scores decreasing from 3.21±0.73 to 1.63±0.43 (P<0.05). Daily living activities, assessed by the Barthel Index, increased notably in the treatment group from 60.43±8.33 to 80.93±7.61, compared to the control group’s increase from 59.73±7.93 to 70.23±8.13 (P<0.05). Patient satisfaction with the treatment, as rated on the VAS, was significantly higher in the treatment group, averaging 8.91±0.61 compared to the control group’s 7.23±0.81 (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Du Mai Moxibustion combined with Shen Needle Regulation, based on the theory of Five Movements and Six Qi, significantly improves muscle tone, motor function, quality of life, spasticity levels, and daily living activities in patients with cerebral infarction-induced abnormal muscle tone. This integrated approach provides a promising alternative for managing post-stroke muscle tone abnormalities.
Keywords: Du Mai Moxibustion, Shen Needle Regulation, Cerebral Infarction, Muscle Tone, Five Movements and Six Qi, Clinical Study.
