Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture versus electroacupuncture for improving upper-limb recovery after stroke
Effectiveness of Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture Compared to Electroacupuncture in Improving Upper Limb Function in Early Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of Science Ho Chi Minh City · NCT07078175
This project will try Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture versus electroacupuncture to see which better helps adults (40–80) with moderate-to-severe arm weakness 1–6 months after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Science Ho Chi Minh City (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh) |
| Trial ID | NCT07078175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center interventional study at Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital compared a specific Xingnao Kaiqiao (Brain Awakening) acupuncture protocol with electroacupuncture as adjuncts to standardized early post-stroke rehabilitation. Eligible patients (aged 40–80, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 1–6 months prior, FMA-UE 20–60) received treatment sessions three times per week while clinical and objective motor outcomes were measured. Outcomes were collected using validated clinical scales and motor function tests, and the trial was conducted under local ethical approval. Data collection is complete and results are being prepared for analysis and publication to ensure transparency and compliance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are medically stable adults aged 40–80 with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 1–6 months earlier who have moderate-to-severe upper-limb weakness (FMA-UE 20–60), can attend thrice-weekly sessions, and can give informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those with severe cognitive impairment, major comorbid motor disorders, severe aphasia preventing assessment, recent upper-limb botulinum toxin, pacemakers or other electroacupuncture contraindications, local skin infections, or those outside the 1–6 month post-stroke window.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide an additional, low-cost therapy to improve upper-limb motor recovery during early stroke rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Small randomized and nonrandomized trials of acupuncture for post-stroke motor recovery, including reports using Xingnao Kaiqiao techniques, have shown promising but inconsistent results, so evidence to date is limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 40 to 80 years * Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI * Stroke onset between 1 and 6 months prior to enrollment * Moderate to severe upper limb motor impairment (FMA-UE score between 20 and 60) * Medically stable and able to attend treatment sessions 3 times per week * Capable of understanding the study procedures and providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 20) * Comorbidities that affect motor function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Severe aphasia or communication disorder that prevents assessment * Botulinum toxin injection in the upper limb within the past 3 months * Pacemaker or other contraindications to electroacupuncture * Currently participating in another clinical trial * Skin infections or local conditions at acupuncture sites
Where this trial is running
Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
- Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital — Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Minh-Anh Nguyen Ngo Le, M.D., Ph.D. — University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
- Study coordinator: Minh-Anh Nguyen Ngo Le, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: drminhanh@ump.edu.vn
- Phone: 0084-962644648
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Post-stroke, acupuncture, Xingnao Kaiqiao, Stroke Rehabilitation, Motor Recovery, Traditional Medicine