Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of Tianzhu(para-BL 10)

electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of scalp-point Balance Area(MS 14)

Motor Area(MS 6)and body acupoints combined with rehabilitation training on standing-balance and walking ability in stroke patients.Methods A total of 145 stroke inpatients were randomly assigned to rehabilitation group(n=48)

routine acupuncture group(n=49)and para-BL10group(n=48).Patients of the rehabilitation group received balance training and routine rehabilitation training treatment

those of the routine acupuncture group received acupuncture stimulation of scalp-points(MS 14

MS 6)

body acupoints

balance training and routine rehabilitation training

and those of the para-BL10 group received acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points of MS 14 and MS 6and body acupoints

and balance training and routine rehabilitation training.The treatment was conducted once daily

5times per week

8weeks altogether.The patients' balancing function

lower-limb motor function and walking ability were assessed using Berg Balance Scale(BBS)

Sheikh Trunk Control Ability Scale(STCAS)

Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale(FMAS)

and Holden Functional Ambulation Classification(FAC)

respectively.Results After 4and 8weeks' treatment

the scores of BBS

STCAS

FMAS and FAC in patients of the rehabilitation

routine acupuncture and para-BL10 groups were significantly increased and 10meters-walking time obviously reduced in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group(P<0.01).The effects of acupuncture stimulation of para-BL 10 were considerably better than both rehabilitation and routine acupuncture groups in raising BBS

STCAS

FMAS and FAC scores and in reducing 10m-walking time(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture stimulation of lateral side of BL 10 combined with scalp-points has a significant benefit for stroke patients in standing-balance ability and walking ability.