[ acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training for post stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training on the recovery of cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with post stroke cognitive impairment.

METHODS

A total of 98 patients with post stroke cognitive impairment were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 6 cases dropped off) and a control group (48 cases, 5 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with conventional treatment, such as computer-assisted cognitive training. On the basis of the conventional treatment, acupuncture at Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Baihui (GV 20), ect. was given in the observation group. In the control group, acupuncture at acupoints of limbs was given. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale, modified Barthel index (MBI) and stroke syndrome of TCM scale were used to evaluate the cognitive function, activities of daily living and syndrome of TCM in the two groups. The latency and amplitude of P300 were detected by electromyographs and evoked response instrument. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared before treatment, the MoCA and MBI scores were increased (<0.01), and the scores of stroke syndrome of TCM scale were decreased (<0.01) after treatment in the two groups. After treatment，the MoCA and MBI scores in the observation group were higher than the control group (<0.01, <0.05), and the score of stroke syndrome of TCM scale was lower than the control group (<0.05). Compared before treatment, the latency of P300 was shortened and amplitude was prolonged after treatment in the two groups (<0.01). After treatment, in the observation group, the latency of P300 was shorter, and amplitude was longer than the control group (<0.01). The effective rate was 86.4% (38/44) in the observation group, which was higher than 67.4% (29/43) in the control group (<0.01).

CONCLUSION

acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training could improve the cognitive function of patients with post stroke cognitive impairment.