Table 2.
Summary of Studies According to Stroke Nature, Time from Stroke Onset, Inclusion, and Exclusion
| Author, location (year) | Stroke nature | Time from stroke onset | Inclusion | Exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fink et al., Germany (2004)27 | 14 infarction, 8 hemorrhage, 3 other causes | 7–180 mo | MAS ≥1 in the ankle joint | Anticoagulation, pregnancy, history of epileptic seizures, acute or chronic infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases |
| Gong et al., China (2008)28 | Not stated | 37.8±8.8 d in acupuncture /35.6±9.2 d in control | (1) Stroke diagnosed by CT or MRI; (2) first stroke or recurrent stroke without previous neurologic deficit; (3) Brunnstrom stage ≥II | (1) Subarachnoid hemorrhage, progressive stroke; (2) deterioration of stroke; (3) unable to receive rehabilitation because of recent seizure; (4) deconditioning state due to major organ problem; (5) cognitive or communication problem |
| He and Zhang, China (2008)29 | Not stated | 21–58 d | (1) Brunnstrom stage: II–IV; (2) spasticity in lower limbs; (3) age <75 y, stroke diagnosed by CT or MRI; (4) stroke onset <3 mo, stable recovery, cognitive and communication function to participate in the therapy; (5) no experience with acupuncture or rehabilitation | (1) Age >76 y, able to receive treatment only at home; (2) stroke onset >3 mo; (3) difficulties with consciousness, cognition, or communication; (4) unable to participate in experiment because of medical problem; (5) flexor spasticity in lower limb; (6) rheumatism, fracture, trauma, joint contracture |
| Lee et al., Korea (2007)30 | 7 infarction, 11 hemorrhage | Not stated | Upper-limb spasticity | Patients receiving Oriental medical treatment |
| Li et al., China (2007)31 | Not stated | 2–6 mo | MAS >2, stable medical state | Difficulties with cognition or communication |
| Qu et al., China (2001)32 | 40 infarction, 13 hemorrhage, 30 others | 1–4 y | (1) increase muscle tone and 2) grasp power ≥grade III | Severe heart problem |
| Sun, China (2003)33 | 16 infarction, 14 hemorrhage | <6 mo | (1) stroke onset <6 mo and (2) Brunnstrom stage II–V | 1) premorbid motor weakness 2) complication of hypertension, coronary artery disease, renal dysfunction, pulmonary infection, severe diabetes mellitus, and psychologic history 3) difficulties with consciousness, cognition, and vision 4) taking antispastic medication recently |
| Yan et al., China (2003)34 | 35 infarction, 25 hemorrhage | 67.2±21.1 d in acupuncture/ 66.5±20.4 d in control | Increased muscle tone in limbs | Not stated |
MAS, Modified Ashworth Scale; CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.