Clinical efficacy and brain mechanism characteristics of guide chi and regulate spirit tuina therapy in the treatment of post-stroke walking dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial based on fNIRS.
Yanguo Wang, Hao Chen, Shifang Fu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Guide Chi and Regulate Spirit (GCRS) Tuina therapy in improving walking function among post-stroke patients with walking dysfunction. The study found that participants receiving GCRS Tuina showed significant improvements in Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for Lower Extremity Motor Function (FMA-LE), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores compared to the control group after 4 weeks.
Key findings
- The Combined Tuina Group (CTG) had higher FAC, FMA-LE, and MBI scores than the Single Rehabilitation Group (SRG) after 4 weeks.
- CTG participants exhibited greater standardized step length, stride, walking speed, and step frequency compared to SRG.
- CTG showed 13 inter-ROI functional connectivity strengths higher than SRG, with significant differences.
- Under walking tasks, CTG had higher β values in 18 channels and higher Oxyhemoglobin concentrations in 19 channels than SRG.
Why it matters
Improving walking function in post-stroke patients is crucial for enhancing their independence and quality of life. This study suggests that GCRS Tuina therapy may be an effective adjunct to traditional rehabilitation methods.