Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and dose–response relationship - Takeaways - MDSpire

Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and dose–response relationship

  • By

  • Zhihao Xiong

  • Juwei Dong

  • Yini Hua

  • Yingying Zhu

  • Yue Song

  • Ziniu Zhang

  • Fengjia Xiao

  • Jinxia Ni

  • Liangxiao Ma

  • Jing Bai

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Acupuncture has demonstrated therapeutic potential for post-stroke spasticity (PSS) in a systematic review of 34 trials involving 3,383 patients.

  • 2

    The meta-analysis found significant improvements in Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Modified Barthel Index scores among PSS patients receiving acupuncture.

  • 3

    Warm acupuncture and high-dose acupuncture were identified as the most effective interventions for improving spasticity scores in PSS patients.

  • 4

    Adverse events related to acupuncture included mild pain, nausea, and dizziness, indicating a need for safety assessment in acupuncture therapy.

  • 5

    The study highlights the necessity for further validation of acupuncture's effectiveness for PSS due to limitations in existing randomized controlled trials.

Original Source(s)

Acupuncture therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and dose–response relationship

  • by Zhihao Xiong, Juwei Dong, Yini Hua, Yingying Zhu, Yue Song, Ziniu Zhang, Fengjia Xiao, Jinxia Ni, Liangxiao Ma, Jing Bai

  • May 25, 2026

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