Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for upper limb spasticity after stroke: Effect and feasibility-A randomised pilot study

Importance Limb spasticity is a common issue among stroke patients. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is recommended as an alternative therapy for managing upper limb spasticity after stroke; however, its potential effects and feasibility remain uncertain.Objective To investigate the potential effects and feasibility of TEAS on motor function in patients with upper limb spasticity after stroke.Methods This randomised controlled, double-blined pilot study was conducted in two phases. All the patients were randomly divided into two groups: the TEAS group and the sham TEAS group. The intervention period for both TEAS and sham TEAS was 6 weeks, with each session lasting 30 min and conducted thrice weekly. The outcomes measured were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score, the effective improvement rate, the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Barthel index (BI) and the surface electromyography (sEMG).Results All participants completed the course of therapy. Baseline characteristics were comparable across the two groups. Compared with the sham TEAS group, the TEAS group showed significant increases in FMA-UE score (P value=0.013), WMFT score (P value=0.001) and BI score (P value=0.008) at week 6. For integrated electromyogram (p=0.048) and root mean square of the biceps (p=0.033), lower scores were identified in the TEAS group compared with the sham TEAS group with a significant difference at week 6.Conclusion TEAS was acceptable and feasible in participants with upper limb spasticity after stroke. A pivotal study of this therapy is justified.