Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture at Huatuo Jiaji(EX-B2) combined with core muscle training on motor function of lower limbs

balance function and core muscle in patients with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods A total of ninety-six patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly and equally divided into acupuncture

training and combination groups(n=32 cases in each). Patients of the acupuncture group were given acupuncture at the 5

(th)

7(th)

7

(th)

9(th)

9

(th)

and 11(th) and 11

(th)

chest vertebrae

and the 1(th) chest vertebrae

and the 1

(st)

to 5(st) to 5

(th)

lumbar vertebrae of EX-B2. Patients in the training group received core muscle training. In the combination group

both acupuncture treatment and core muscle training were given to the patients. The treatment was conducted once daily

5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor function score(FMA)

Berg balance function scale(BBS)

Barthel index(BI) and surface electromyography(sEMG) of the erector spinae and rectus abdominis were evaluated before and after treatment and during the follow-up period. Results Compared with the scores before the treatment

the FMA

BBS and BI scores were obviously increased after the treatment and during the follow-up period in the three groups respectively(P

<

0.05). After treatment and during the follow-up period

the root mean square(RMS) of erector spinae and rectus abdominis in the sitting position flexed 45° and extended 30° on the healthy and affected side were higher than those of the same side before treatment in the three groups(P

<

0.05). The therapeutic effect of combination of acupuncture at EX-B2 and core muscle training was obviously superior to that of single acupuncture or single training(P

<

0.05). Before the treatment

the RMS of erector spinae and rectus abdominis in the sitting position flexed 45° and extended 30° on the affected side were lower than those of the healthy side in the three groups(P

<

0.05)

while there was no significant difference between the RMS of the erector spinae and rectus abdominis of the affected side and the healthy side in the comprehensive group after treatment and during the follow-up period(P

>

0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at EX-B2 combined with core muscle training can significantly improve the balance function and lower limb motor function of patients with hemiplegia after stroke.