Effect of complex reinforcing-reducing manipulation on lower limb motion and balance disorder in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Zhang Chao-hong (張朝紅), Li Qi (李旗)

1 Rehabilitation Department, the 2nd Hospital Affiliated to Luohe Medical College, Henan 462300, China

2 College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei United University, Hebei 063000, China

Effect of complex reinforcing-reducing manipulation on lower limb motion and balance disorder in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Zhang Chao-hong (張朝紅)1, Li Qi (李旗)2

1 Rehabilitation Department, the 2nd Hospital Affiliated to Luohe Medical College, Henan 462300, China

2 College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei United University, Hebei 063000, China

Objective:To observe the effect of complex reinforcing [Shao Shan Huo(Mountain-burning Fire)] and reducing [Tou Tian Liang(Heaven-penetrating Cooling)] manipulations on motion and balance of the lower limbs in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD).

Acupuncture Therapy; Method of Reinforcing-reducing;Shao Shan Huo(Mountain-burning Fire);Tou Tian Liang(Heaven-penetrating Cooling); Vitamin B12Deficiency

Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord (SCD) refers to degeneration of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord as well as peripheral nerve system damage as a result of vitamin B12deficiency. This condition is clinically characterized by parasthesias, sensory ataxia and spastic paraplegia[1-2]. SCD patients often have severe sequelae of motor and balance disorders of the lower limbs[3], which may greatly affect the patients’ quality of life. To explore the effective treatment protocol for SCD-induced motor and balancedisorders of the lower limbs, we’ve observed the effect of complex reinforcing [Shao Shan Huo(Mountainburning Fire)] and reducing [Tou Tian Liang(Heavenpenetrating Cooling)] manipulations. The results are now summarized as follows.

1 Clinical Materials

1.1 Diagnostic criteria

This was based on the diagnostic criteria for SCD in theNeurology[4]: onset in midlife; signs and symptoms of degenerated posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord and nerve system damage; presence of antihistamine-related achlorhydria, megaloblastic anemia and low contents of serum B12.

In Chinese medicine, this condition was diagnosed as a Wei-flaccidity syndrome[5]: weakness or flaccidity of the limbs; muscle atrophy or paralysis in severe cases.

1.2 Inclusion criteria

Those who met the above diagnostic criteria; aged between 40 and 70 years with no gender differences; having duration lasting from 2 weeks to 6 months.

1.3 Exclusion and rejection criteria

Those who didn’t meet the above diagnostic or inclusion criteria; lower limb dysfunctions due to other medical conditions; and those who dropped out during the treatment.

1.4 Statistical method

The SPSS 17.0 version software was used for statistical analysis. Thet-test was used for inter-group comparison, which was expressed in the form of mean ± standard deviationThe Chi-square test was used for rate comparison. APvalue of less than 0.05 indicates a statistical difference.

1.5 General data

A total of 60 eligible cases treated in the Rehabilitation Department, 2nd Hospital Affiliated to Luohe Medical College between January 2012 and August 2014 were recruited in this study. They were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group by the visit sequences, 30 in each group. There were no between-group statistical differences in baseline data (P＞0.05), indicating that the two groups were comparable (Table 1).

Table 1. Between-group comparison of baseline data

2 Treatment Methods

2.1 Observation group

2.1.1 Basic Western medical treatment

Mecobalamin Injection (500 μg/mL, manufactured by Eisai China Inc.) was adopted for intravenous dripping, 2 000 for each dose, once a day. In addition, patients took Folic Acid (Tianjin Lisheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) orally, 10 mg for each dose, 3 times a day for 2 months[6].

2.1.2 Acupuncture therapy

Points: First group [Zuwuli (LR 10), Jimen (SP11), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Diji (SP 8), Lougu (SP 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)]. Second group [Biguan (ST 31), Yinshi (ST 33), Liangqiu (ST 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39) and Fenglong(ST 40)].

Method: Disposable needles of 0.35 mm in diameters and 40 mm in length were used. After routine sterilization, the abovementioned points were punctured perpendicularly. TheTou Tian Liang(Heaven-penetrating Cooling) reducing manipulation was applied to points in the first group, whereasShaoShan Huo(Mountain-burning Fire) manipulation was applied to points in the second group. Needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 15 d made up one treatment course. The patients were treated for 4 courses and there was a 1-day interval between two courses.

2.2 Control group

Patients in the control group only received the same basic Western medical treatment (drug, dose, administration and treatment course) as those in the observation group.

3 Outcome Observation

3.1 Evaluation parameters

3.1.1 Joint range of motion, muscle force and muscle tone

The lower limb functions were assessed using the Lokomat system manufactured by Hocoma Medical Technology Company (Switzerland). The range of motion (L-ROM), muscle force (L-FORCE) and muscle tone (L-STIFF) were measured respectively[7].

3.1.2 The parameters of center of pressure (COP) shifting path

Before and after treatment, the B-PHY type balance function check training system was used to measure the patients’ COP path length, peripheral area, COP path length per unit area, left-right offset and rectangular area.

3.2 Therapeutic efficacy criteria[7]

Recovery: Almost full recovery of muscle force and parasthesia, coupled with almost normal walking.

Improvement: Improved muscle force and parasthesia, coupled with increased walking ability.

Failure: Signs and symptoms remained unchanged after treatment.

3.3 Results

3.3.1 Hip and knee joint ROM, muscle force and tone Before treatment, there were no between-group statistical differences in hip and knee joint ROM, muscle force and tone (P＞0.05), indicating that the two groups were comparable. After treatment, the control group showed no intra-group statistical differences in the above parameters (P＞0.05); however, the observation group showed intra-group statistical differences in the above parameters (P＜ 0.05); and there were between-group statistical differences in the above parameters (P＜0.01), indicating a better improvement in hip/knee joint ROM, muscle force and tone than that in the control group (Table 2-Table 4).

Table 2. Between-group comparison of joint range of motion

Table 2. Between-group comparison of joint range of motion

Note: BT=Before treatment; AT=After treatment; intra-group comparison before and after treatment, 1) P＜0.05; compared with the control group after treatment, 2) P＜0.05

Group n Hip flexion Hip extension Knee flexion Knee extension BT AT BT AT BT AT BT AT Treatment 50 21.90±2.41 35.40±3.141)2)－2.88±0.49－7.16±1.511)2) 43.30±5.27 63.37±5.541)2)15.04±2.48 4.88±1.701)2)Control 50 20.74±2.17 24.41±2.77 －2.70±0.53－3.28±1.77 45.88±4.15 50.11±4.38 15.71±2.60 12.14±2.75

Table 3. Between-group comparison of muscle force

Table 3. Between-group comparison of muscle force

Note: BT=Before treatment; AT=After treatment; Intra-group comparison before and after treatment, 1) P＜0.05; compared with the control group after treatment, 2) P＜0.05

Group n Hip flexion Hip extension Knee flexion Knee extension BT AT BT AT BT AT BT AT Treatment 50 26.27±3.10 42.65±6.301)2) 24.40±3.40 38.30±5.751)2) 28.37±2.03 50.27±4.771)2)30.17±2.74 50.68±7.931)2)Control 50 25.33±3.65 31.85±4.14 23.03±2.92 27.56±4.45 29.06±1.99 35.81±4.63 31.48±3.07 38.16±5.12

Table 4. Between-group comparison of muscle tone

Table 4. Between-group comparison of muscle tone

Note: BT=Before treatment; AT=After treatment; Intra-group comparison before and after treatment, 1) P＜0.05; compared with the control group after treatment, 2) P＜0.05

Group n Hip flexion Hip extension Knee flexion Knee extension BT AT BT AT BT AT BT AT Treatment 50 0.69±0.14 0.56±0.101)2) 0.60±0.18 0.50±0.131)2) 0.66±0.13 0.51±0.131)2)0.71±0.12 0.59±0.211)2)Control 50 0.55±0.12 0.34±0.12 0.59±0.20 0.37±0.06 0.57±0.06 0.41±0.11 0.69±0.17 0.42±0.14

3.3.2 The COP shifting path

Before treatment, there were no between-group statistical differences in path length, path length per unit area and rectangular area (P＞0.05), indicating that the two groups were comparable. After treatment, the above parameters were markedly improved in both groups (P＜0.01), and there were between-group statistical differences (P＜0.05), indicating a better balance function in the observation group than that in the control group (Table 5).

Table 5. Between-group comparison of COP shifting path parameters before and after treatment

Table 5. Between-group comparison of COP shifting path parameters before and after treatment

Note: Intra-group comparison before and after treatment, 1) P＜0.05; compared with the control group after treatment, 2) P＜0.05

Group n Time Path length (mm)Path length in unit area (mm)Rectangular area (mm2) Peripheral area (mm2) Treatment 50 Before treatment 53.22±13.74 56.04±11.25 7.35±2.37 0.96±0.41 After treatment 36.74±7.681)2) 82.30±15.961)2) 3.30±1.671)2) 0.43±0.191)2)Control 50 Before treatment 54.21±14.63 57.23±12.03 6.93±1.81 0.92±0.29 After treatment 45.11±8.841) 70.03±13.541) 4.59±1.231) 0.74±0.131)

3.3.3 Between-group comparison of clinical effects

The total effective rate was 83.3% in the observation group, versus 60.0% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P＜0.05) and indicating a better effect in the observation group than that in the control group (Table 6).

Table 6. Between-group comparison of clinical effects (case)

4 Discussion

In remissive stage of subacute degeneration of the spinal cord, due to substantial decrease in muscle force of the affected limb, hypertonia, decrease in active control, diminished balancing, and abnormal motor pattern, patients often manifest balance disorders, unstable walking or inability to walk[8-10]. In addition, due to central nerve damage, loss of control over motor function, hyperreflexia, diminished or loss of muscle coordination and decreased balancing, patients fail to maintain normal postures and COP distribution and thus develop balance disorder[11-12]. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective for nervous system disorders. Research findings over the past decades have confirmed its scientific foundation[13-17]. The reinforcing [Shao Shan Huo (Mountain-burning Fire)] and reducing [Tou Tian Liang (Heaven-penetrating Cooling)] manipulations aim to balance yin and yang by reducing points of yin meridians (medial sides of the lower limbs) and reinforcing points of yang meridians (lateral sides of the lower limbs). Furthermore, this can help to regulate the patients’ muscle force, tone and motor function.

This study employed complex reinforcing and reducing manipulation for affected limbs in SCD patients and observed the patients’ lower limb motor and balance function using the Lokomat lower limb function assessment system and B-BHY type balance function check training system. After treatment, the ROM of hip/knee joints in the treatment group was increased, the muscle forces of hip/knee flexor and extensor were improved and the muscle tones were decreased, showing better effects when compared with that in the control group. The balancing parameters were more significantly improved in the observation group than that in the control group. Consequently, the reinforcing [Shao Shan Huo (Mountain-burning Fire)] and reducing [Heaven-penetrating Cooling)] manipulations can effectively increase the hip/knee joint ROM, increase the muscle force, decrease the muscle tone and substantially improve the balance function.

Thanks to the use of Lokomat gait training and analysis system, this study has enabled gait analysis to be more objective, accurate and reliable, allowing doctors to target specific gait problems, adjust treatment protocol and further improve the patients’walking ability. In the meantime, this system has also laid theoretical foundation for standardized rehabilitation therapy for gait abnormality.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declared that there was no conflict of interest in this article.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Scientific Research Project of Hebei Provincial Administration Bureau of Traditional Chinese Medicine (河北省中醫藥管理局科研計劃項目, No. 2014188); Hebei Tangshan Science and Technology Project (河北省唐山市科技計劃項目, No.121302118b).

Statement of Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in this study.

Received: 20 November 2014/Accepted: 28 December 2014

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Translator:Han Chou-ping (韓丑萍)

復式針刺補瀉法對脊髓亞急性聯合變性下肢運動和平衡功能的影響

目的：觀察燒山火、透天涼復式針刺補瀉法對脊髓亞急性聯合變性下肢運動和平衡功能的影響。方法：將100例脊髓亞急性聯合變性患者按就診順序隨機分為觀察組與對照組, 每組50例。觀察組患者在西醫治療基礎上予以針刺治療, 采用燒山火、透天涼復式針刺補瀉方法, 對照組患者僅予以與觀察組相同的西醫基礎治療。于治療前、治療2個月后, 對患者髖、膝關節肌力, 肌張力以及關節活動度進行運動學參數測定, 以及軌跡長、外周面積、單位面積軌跡長、矩形面積平衡功能參數測定。結果：治療后, 兩組患者的軌跡長、外周面積、單位面積軌跡長、左右偏移、矩形面積、穩定性系數、體重分布系數均較本組治療前有明顯改善(P＜0.01); 兩組髖、膝關節肌力, 肌張力以及關節活動度差異有統計學意義(P＜0.01）。觀察組總有效率為83.3%, 對照組為60.0%, 兩組總有效率差異具有統計學意義(P＜0.05)。結論：復式針刺補瀉法能提高脊髓亞急性聯合變性下肢運動和平衡功能。

針刺療法; 針刺補瀉; 燒山火; 透天涼; 維生素B12缺乏

R246.6 【

】A

Author: Zhang Chao-hong, vice chief physician.

E-mail: tsslw110@126.com

Methods:A total of 100 SCD cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group by their visit sequence, 50 cases in each group. On the basis of Western medical treatment, cases in the observation group were also treated with acupuncture therapy plus complex reinforcing-reducing manipulation; whereas cases in the control group were only treated with the same Western medical treatment as those in the observation group. Before and 2 months after treatment, kinematic parameters including muscle force, muscle tone and range of motion of the hip and knee joints were measured. In addition, balancing parameters including the path length of center of pressure (COP), peripheral area, COP path length per unit area and rectangular area were also measured before and after treatment.

Results:After treatment, there were statistical intra-group differences in COP path length, peripheral area, COP path length per unit area, left-right offset, rectangular area, coefficient of stability and coefficient of weight distribution (P＜0.01). There were statistical inter-group differences in muscle force, muscle tone and range of motion of hip and knee joints (P＜0.01). The total effective rate was 83.3% in the observation group, versus 60.0% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P＜0.05).

Conclusion:Complex reinforcing-reducing manipulations can improve the lower limb motion and balance in SCD patients.