EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT ON DAILY-LIFE ACTIVITIES AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE - A CONTROLLED, PROSPECTIVE, AND RANDOMIZED STUDY OF ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS

Background and Purpose-A number of studies have indicated that acupunc ture might improve the functional recovery of stroke patients. These s tudies vary in inclusion criteria, sample size, and evaluation methods . The present study was designed to investigate whether electroacupunc ture treatment favorably affects stroke patients' ability to perform d aily life activities, their health-related quality of life, and their use of health care and social services. Methods-One hundred four conse cutive patients >40 years of age admitted to hospital because of an ac ute stroke were randomized to 3 groups: deep, superficial, and no acup uncture treatment. The acupuncture treatment given by 4 physiotherapis ts started 4 to 10 days after randomization and was given twice a week for 10 weeks. All patients underwent conventional stroke rehabilitati on as well. Two occupational therapists, blinded regarding the patient s' allocation, evaluated the treatment effects. The assessments were p erformed 4 times during the first year after randomization by means of interviews and observations. Results-There were no differences betwee n the groups with reference to changes in the neurological score and t he Barthel and Sunnaas activities of daily living index scores after 3 and 12 months. Regarding the Nottingham Health Profile, the no acupun cture group had somewhat fewer mobility problems. No differences in he alth care and social services were found between the groups. Conclusio ns-The present study does not give support to the previous studies, wh ich indicates that acupuncture treatment may have a beneficial effect on acute stroke patients' ability to perform daily life activities, th eir health-related quality of life, and their use of health care and s ocial services.