针刺结合太极十三式运动促进神经根型颈椎病康复的临床研究OA

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription on the rehabilitation of cervical radiculopathy(CR). Methods:A total of 159 patients diagnosed with CR were enrolled in a prospective study.They were randomly divided into an acupuncture group,an exercise group,and a combined group using the random number table method,with 53 cases in each group.All three groups received routine Western rehabilitation training.In addition,the acupuncture group was treated with"Si Tian Xue"[four points with"Tian"in their names,including Tianyou(TE16),Tianchuang(SI16),Tianrong(SI17),and Tianding(LI17)]acupuncture.The exercise group practiced according to the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription.The combined group received"Si Tian Xue"acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription.All interventions lasted for 12 weeks in three groups.The neck disability index(NDI)and visual analog scale(VAS)scores were compared among the three groups before treatment and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.Before treatment and after 12-week treatment,the range of motion(ROM)of cervical in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion,as well as the mean power frequency(MPF)of surface electromyography(sEMG)signals of the erector spinae and trapezius,the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries,and the short-form 36-item health survey(SF-36)score was compared among the three groups. Results:After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment,the NDI and VAS scores of the three groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the NDI and VAS scores of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the acupuncture group and the exercise group at the same time points(P<0.05).After treatment,the cervical ROM in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion in the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the MPF of the erector spinae and trapezius and the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the SF-36 score of the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and it was significantly higher in the combined group than in the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared to"Si Tian Xue"acupuncture or the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription alone,the combination of the two can more effectively improve cervical function and microcirculation,relieve pain,and improve the quality of life in patients with CR.