Retrospective Observational Study of the Effects of Scalp Motor Area Electroacupuncture Combined with Bilateral Upper-Limb Active Resistance Training on Motor Recovery in Poststroke Patients

Abstract

Conventional stroke upper-limb rehabilitation is ineffective, and retrospective evidence for scalp motor area electroacupuncture combined with bilateral resistance training is insufficient. This study aims to explore the rehabilitative effect and clinical application value of the combined regimen on motor function in stroke survivors. A total of 100 patients with poststroke limb motor dysfunction hospitalized at a hospital between January 2024 and January 2025 were retrospectively screened, and 96 eligible cases were retained. Patients were grouped by actual rehabilitation regimens (48 cases per group): the conventional group received standard unilateral upper-limb rehabilitation, while the combined group added scalp motor area electroacupuncture and bilateral upper-extremity active resistance training to routine rehabilitation. Evaluations were conducted at baseline (before treatment) and endpoint (4 weeks after treatment). The primary outcome indicators were Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf motor function test (WMFT), modified Barthel index (MBI), and Brunnstrom staging. The secondary outcome indicators were box and block test (BBT), motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and central motor conduction time (CMCT), and the incidence of adverse events. Baseline data were balanced between groups (all P  > 0.05). After a 4-week treatment, the combined group showed markedly better FMA-UE, WMFT, MBI, and BBT scores (all P  < 0.001), a higher rate of Brunnstrom stage V–VI recovery (39.59% vs 14.59%), larger MEP amplitude increases ( P  < 0.001), and shorter CMCT ( P  < 0.001). Adverse event rates were 8.33% (combined) and 18.75% (conventional), without intergroup difference ( P  = 0.232); no severe adverse events occurred in either group. Scalp motor area electroacupuncture plus bilateral upper-limb active resistance training is associated with significantly improved poststroke upper-limb motor recovery with no serious adverse events observed during the 4-week observation period.