EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINED ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT ON SHOULDER RANGE OF MOTION AND MOTOR POWER IN STROKE PATIENTS WITH HEMIPLEGIC SHOULDER SUBLUXATION: A PILOT STUDY

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of combined conventional rehabilitation therapy and acupuncture on the active shoulder range of motion (ROM) and motor power in stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder subluxation. Twenty-one patients received a combination of acupuncture and rehabilitation treatment at a hospital, and their active shoulder ROM and motor power were assessed at admission and discharge. The therapy produced significant improvements in joint mobility, such as in flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, and adduction (p < .001), and in motor power (p < .05) in stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder subluxation.