[Clinical study on the effects of cluster needling at scalp points with needle retaining combined with the training of the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot on shoulder function in stroke patients during convalescence].

Objectives: To explore the effects of cluster needling at scalp points with needle retaining combined with the training of the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot on shoulder function in stroke patients during convalescence.

Methods: Ninety stroke patients during convalescence were collected and randomized into scalp point group, robot training group and combined intervention group, with 30 cases each. In the scalp point group, the cluster needling was delivered at scalp points with the needles retained. In the robot training group, the patients were trained with the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot. In the combined intervention group, the patients received both the cluster needling and the training of the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot. In each group, the treatment was given once daily, 5 treatments a week with 2 days rest, for consecutive 4 weeks. Separately, before and after treatment, the score of Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity scale (FMA-UE) and the score of activity of daily living (ADL) were evaluated. Using the in-built assessment system of the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot, the range of motion (ROM) of forward flexion, horizontal abduction and horizontal adduction of the affected shoulder joint were evaluated. With surface electromyogram (sEMG), the sEMG value of the deltoid muscle and the pectoralis major on the affected side were detected.

Results: Compared with the values before treatment, ADL score and FMA-UA score increased in patients of the three groups (<0.05), and ROM of forward flexion, horizontal abduction and horizontal adduction of the affected shoulder joint was larger (<0.05), the sEMG value of the fasciculi pectoralis major anterior of patients in the combined intervention group was reduced (<0.05), and the sEMG of anterior deltoid tract was elevated in the three groups (<0.05). When compared with the scalp point group and the robot group, in the combined intervention group, after treatment, ADL score and FMA-UA score were higher (<0.05), ROM of forward flexion, horizontal abduction and horizontal adduction of the affected shoulder joint elevated (<0.05) and sEMG value of the fasciculi pectoralis major anterior reduced (<0.05), while which of the anterior deltoid tract was elevated (<0.05).

Conclusions: The cluster needling at scalp points with needle retaining, combined with the training of the upper-limb intelligent rehabilitation robot, improves the upper limb motor function and the range of motion of the shoulder joint in stroke patients during convalescence.