Acupuncture-assisted Rehabilitation for Post-stroke Hand Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Hand dysfunction after stroke is a common and difficult-to-recover sequelae, which seriously affects patients' ability to live independently and quality of life. Acupuncture has shown unique advantages in improving hand dysfunction after stroke. This article presents a systematic review of clinical research progress in acupuncture treatment for post-stroke hand dysfunction from 2014 to the present. Based on the therapeutic effects of different interventions, this study sorted out single acupuncture therapies, including filiform needle acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, and scalp acupuncture, as well as comprehensive therapeutic regimens, such as acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training, mirror therapy, and rehabilitation robots. Existing research indicates that the aforementioned interventions can significantly promote the recovery of hand function after stroke via mechanisms including improving neurological deficits, reducing muscle tension, and alleviating spasticity. In summary, acupuncture is an effective intervention for post-stroke hand dysfunction, with combination regimens demonstrating greater therapeutic benefits. Future efforts should focus on standardizing treatment parameters, conducting large-scale multi-center studies, and elucidating underlying neural mechanisms, so as to enhance clinical applicability and improve the quality of evidence.