Effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on sensory impairment of patients with stroke: a network meta-analysis

Abstract Background The refractory and disabling nature of sensory disorders after stroke seriously affects patients' daily lives and reduces hospital turnover. Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, is commonly used in combination with rehabilitation training to improve sensory disorders. To compare the effects of different acupuncture-related treatments combined with rehabilitation training on sensory impairment and the daily living ability of patients with stroke, we conducted a network meta-analysis to provide evidence-based findings for clinical practice. Methods Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of sensory disorders in patients with stroke were systematically retrieved from several databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal(VIP), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biological Medical (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinical trials. The retrieval period ranged from January 2012 to December 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the included literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk quality using Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 and ReviewManager 5.4.1. Stata16.0 software was employed for data analysis. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42023389180. Results After screening, 20 studies were included, involving a total of 1999 subjects. The network meta-analysis results indicate that, compared to standard rehabilitation, acupuncture plus massage plus rehabilitation showed the most significant reduction in Numbness Syndrome Scores (MD = -0.71(-1.11,-0.31)). Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation demonstrated the most substantial improvement in Sensory Impairment Scores (MD = -0.59,(-0.68,-0.51)) and daily living ability of patients (MD = 17.16,(12.20,22.12)). Conclusions In comparison to standard rehabilitation, the combination of acupuncture-related treatments and modern rehabilitation training not only improves the symptoms of sensory impairment and numbness after stroke but also enhances the daily living ability of patients, especially when acupuncture is combined with rehabilitation. However, further demonstration is required to strengthen these conclusions.