Positive Health Online

Abstract

ERNST and WHITE, Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, UK reviewed the literature (25 references) regarding the use of acupuncture as an useful addition to conventional stroke rehabilitation. @r:All the controlled trials published on this subject, identified by systematic literature search suggested positive effects of acupuncture upon functional recovery. There was, however, no attempt in any of these studies to account for a possible placebo effect, as well as other possible methodological flaws. @c: The evidence that acupuncture is a useful adjunct for stroke rehabilitation is encouraging but not compelling. Better designed research trials are required to confirm the preliminary findings of earlier trials.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Ernst E and White AR. Acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy in stroke rehabilitation? Wien Med Wochenschr 146(21-22): 556-8. 1996.

Comment

It is somewhat disappointing that a more positive gloss could not be placed on a review of the literature of 25 studies, all of which show a positive effect of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation. Of course, there may be methodological flaws, or the non-allowance for placebo, but this does not mean that the research is not valid. Certainly more research is needed as well as the incorporation of acupuncture treatment into stroke rehabilitation programmes.