Rehabilitation of stroke patients using Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate whether acupuncture, especially Yamamoto's New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), is of value in additional to standard poststroke motor rehabilitation. DESIGN A prospective, assessor-blinded randomized control trial was carried out in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit with day hospital service. After inclusion, patients were stratified into control group and acupuncture group, randomly. OUTCOME MEASURES The Barthel Index, the Rivermead Scale Index, and the Visual Analogue Scale were used to follow the efficacy of treatment. RESULTS In the acupuncture group, all the sensory, motor, and functional scores improved significantly during the examination period until 2 years after injury. The Barthel Index is increased from 4±2 to 95±4 in the acupuncture group. This index also increased in the control group (from 4±2 to 75±4), but the changes were significantly less than in the acupuncture group. A significant spontaneous recovery during the 2-year follow-up was found, but the YNSA treatment facilitated the functional recovery. Improved moving function and more flexible joints and ligaments were observed in comparison to the patients' condition prior to treatment. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that the YNSA is a useful method to treat stroke patients and enhance their quality of life.