Assessing efficacy and safety of dynamic scalp acupuncture for post-stroke rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol - Report - MDSpire

Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol

  • By

  • Sang-Joon An

  • Woo-Chul Shin

  • Jungbin Song

  • Jae-Heung Cho

  • Won-Seok Chung

  • Mi-Yeon Song

  • Hyungsuk Kim

  • July 17, 2026

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Clinical Report: Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture

Background

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies to enhance recovery. Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture (DSA) combines acupuncture with task-oriented training. However, systematic evidence on DSA as a distinct intervention has not been previously synthesized.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the provided source material.

Key Findings

  • Stroke rehabilitation often requires multidisciplinary approaches, yet recovery outcomes are variable.
  • DSA is hypothesized to enhance neuroplasticity by integrating acupuncture with active movement.
  • Preliminary trials suggest DSA may improve motor and cognitive outcomes in stroke patients.
  • The systematic review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines and assess the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations approach.
  • Primary outcomes will focus on motor function, with secondary outcomes including activities of daily living and adverse events.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the efficacy and safety of DSA could inform future research.

Conclusion

This systematic review aims to clarify the effectiveness and safety of DSA in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2025 -- Effectiveness and safety of skull base-peripheral acupuncture for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2025 -- Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2025 -- Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and dose–response relationship
  4. VA DoD CPG for Management of Stroke Rehabilitation, 2024 -- Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Stroke Rehabilitation
  5. Frontiers in Neurology — Acupuncture for post-stroke recovery: a retrospective cohort study on motor function and quality of life
  6. Interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture enhances brain functional connectivity in bilateral basal ganglia ischemic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
  7. Effectiveness of scalp acupuncture therapy combined with training on limb movement disorders after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. VA DoD CPG for Management of Stroke Rehabilitation
  9. Guideline European Stroke Organization and European Society for Swallowing Disorders guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke dysphagia
  10. Efficacy of acupuncture on lower limb motor dysfunction following stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials | PLOS One
  11. Effects of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Motor Function and Gait of Lower Limbs after Stroke: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial (pdf) | Paperity
  12. Effects of acupuncture on ischemic stroke: A systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses - PubMed

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