A randomized controlled trial published in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics investigated the effects of acupuncture on motor recovery in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Researchers combined clinical assessments with multimodal MRI to track changes in brain function and structure.
Study Methods
Fifty-six stroke patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either true-acupoint acupuncture or sham-acupoint acupuncture over a two-week period. After exclusions due to incomplete treatment or poor MRI data quality, 46 patients were included in the final MRI analysis. Motor function was assessed using standardized scales, and brain changes were evaluated with MRI.
Key Findings
- Motor function: While both groups showed improvement, the true-acupoint group demonstrated greater gains in limb motor control and overall recovery.
- Brain structure: Only the true-acupoint group showed increases in grey matter volume. These increases were observed in the right opercular inferior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and cerebellar region. Researchers stated that these increases were positively correlated with limb motor function recovery.
- Brain network function: MRI analyses showed reduced disruption and a trend toward lower flexibility within the default mode network in the true-acupoint group, changes that were associated with better motor outcomes.
- Correlations: Larger reductions in default mode network disruption and greater grey matter volume increases were associated with greater improvements in motor impairment.
Interpretation by Study Authors
"These [brain] modulations may improve motor initiation, execution, control, and coordination, representing a potential central mechanism underlying acupuncture's therapeutic effect."
Study Limitations
- MRI-derived grey matter changes are imaging markers, not direct evidence of cellular neuroplasticity.
- Some clinical improvement in the sham group may reflect placebo effects and standard pharmacotherapy.
- The trial did not show a statistically significant group-by-time interaction.
- The lack of long-term follow-up prevents assessment of lasting functional benefits.
Conclusion
The findings suggest acupuncture may support motor recovery after stroke by promoting functional and structural brain changes. The authors noted that larger studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm the results and clarify acupuncture's role as a complementary rehabilitation strategy.
Source: CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics