Acupuncture during stroke rehabilitation: development of a manual for researching a complex intervention
type: CreativeWork
description: BACKGROUND AND AIMS Evidence on acupuncture during stroke rehabilitation is inconsistent, with methodological problems including inappropriately standardized treatment protocols. This project developed and assessed feasibility of methods to study an individualized acupuncture intervention during acute stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN AND METHODS This three-part project aimed to 1) develop a manual for post-stroke acupuncture therapy; 2) determine feasibility of methods for future study and 3) explore stakeholder perceptions of acupuncture’s impact. First, a treatment manual was developed. Second, a cohort study used the manual to treat 48 inpatients, who had elected acupuncture treatment(n=25) or usual care only (n=23). Acupuncture was given 3-4 times weekly for 2-4 weeks. Outcomes assessed for feasibility included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Modified Rankin Scale of global disability (mRS) and assessments of sleep, swallowing and bowel function(at baseline and discharge, with mRS also at 6-month follow-up). Confidence intervals were compared across mild, moderate and severe subgroups. The third study assessed stakeholder perceptions of acupuncture impact. Acupuncture patients were briefly interviewed, with surveys given to family, rehabilitation therapists, nurses and physicians. Impacts of acupuncture were identified using thematic analysis, and compared quantitatively across severity groups. RESULTS Improvement in FIM scores was similar in self-selected cohorts choosing acupuncture (Mdn=37.5) and usual care (Mdn=35), 95% CI [-6, 6]. FIMiii motor domain scores trended higher in the moderate subgroup only. Feasibility criteria were met for the outcomes of 6-month mRS, bowel function, and sleep. Findings of Project 3 included a wide range of perceived benefits, with no negative impact. Benefits included improved upper and lower extremity motor function, walking, relaxation, and pain reduction. Staff reported better mood and participation in physical and …
abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS Evidence on acupuncture during stroke rehabilitation is inconsistent, with methodological problems including inappropriately standardized treatment protocols. This project developed and assessed feasibility of methods to study an individualized acupuncture intervention during acute stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN AND METHODS This three-part project aimed to 1) develop a manual for post-stroke acupuncture therapy; 2) determine feasibility of methods for future study and 3) explore stakeholder perceptions of acupuncture’s impact. First, a treatment manual was developed. Second, a cohort study used the manual to treat 48 inpatients, who had elected acupuncture treatment(n=25) or usual care only (n=23). Acupuncture was given 3-4 times weekly for 2-4 weeks. Outcomes assessed for feasibility included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Modified Rankin Scale of global disability (mRS) and assessments of sleep, swallowing and bowel function(at baseline and discharge, with mRS also at 6-month follow-up). Confidence intervals were compared across mild, moderate and severe subgroups. The third study assessed stakeholder perceptions of acupuncture impact. Acupuncture patients were briefly interviewed, with surveys given to family, rehabilitation therapists, nurses and physicians. Impacts of acupuncture were identified using thematic analysis, and compared quantitatively across severity groups. RESULTS Improvement in FIM scores was similar in self-selected cohorts choosing acupuncture (Mdn=37.5) and usual care (Mdn=35), 95% CI [-6, 6]. FIMiii motor domain scores trended higher in the moderate subgroup only. Feasibility criteria were met for the outcomes of 6-month mRS, bowel function, and sleep. Findings of Project 3 included a wide range of perceived benefits, with no negative impact. Benefits included improved upper and lower extremity motor function, walking, relaxation, and pain reduction. Staff reported better mood and participation in physical and …
author: Citkovitz, C.
date published: 2015
date modified: 2026-07-24T06:01:55Z
provider: University of Westminster
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Westminster

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.34737/9qwy5