Clinical Report: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Shallow Acupuncture
Background
Brainstem infarction is a significant subtype of ischemic stroke, often leading to severe disability and poor recovery outcomes. Current therapeutic strategies for this condition are limited, and there is a need for effective rehabilitation approaches. Acupuncture has been proposed as a potential adjunctive treatment.
Data Highlights
This study will involve 62 patients, randomized into two groups: conventional acupuncture and adjunctive Shallow Acupuncture. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Barthel Index, with secondary outcomes including the NIH Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale.
Key Findings
The trial aims to assess the impact of Shallow Acupuncture on daily living activities in brainstem infarction patients.
Neuroimaging will evaluate changes in resting-state functional connectivity and diffusion metrics.
Standard medical management and rehabilitation will be provided to all participants.
The study is designed as a single-center, randomized, assessor-blinded trial.
Ethical approval has been obtained from the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine.
Clinical Implications
The findings from this trial may provide insights into the effectiveness of Shallow Acupuncture as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with brainstem infarction. Understanding the associated neural changes could inform future therapeutic approaches.
Conclusion
This trial represents an important step in evaluating the role of acupuncture in the rehabilitation of brainstem infarction.
