Evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in defined aspects of stroke recovery.

INTERVENTION: Both groups will receive rehabilitative care and one of two treatment groups. 1. Acupuncture treatment will consist of dry needling to 3 out of 4 points in the upper limb chosen from; LI4, LI10, SJ5, LI15 with GB20 and 4 out of 5 in the lower limb GB43, BG39, GB34, GB30, ST36. Scalp acupuncture will also be used. The scalp over the motor cortex being stimulated with dry needles to which a direct current of high frequency is applied. Treatment will last 40 minutes and be given 3 times a week for 4 weeks. 2. The control group will receive a mock transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment with adhesive electrodes applied to the same points as in 1. The TENS machine will be adjusted at the output jack so no current flows but it will still retain visual signs of function. Standard physiotherapy will be given to both groups, receiving treatment 5 times a week sometimes twice a day. CONDITION: Cerebrovascular disease ; Circulatory System ; Stroke, not specified as haemorrhage or infarction PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Motricity Index; 2. Nottingham Health Profile; 3. Standard Barthel Index SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients who have recently suffered a stroke.