Effectiveness of Integrated Acupuncture and Modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction on Motor Function Recovery After Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on Propensity Score Matching

Abstract

Background

Ischemic stroke frequently induces motor dysfunction and balance impairment, severely compromising patients’ quality of life.

Objective

This study explored the impacts of acupuncture combined with modified Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, motor function, and vascular endothelial function in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

A total of 240 ischemic stroke patients admitted to our hospital from March 2022 to August 2024 were enrolled. After propensity score matching, 120 patients were assigned to each of two groups. The acupuncture group received conventional Western medicine plus acupuncture, and the acupuncture + BYHWD group was given the same Western medicine and acupuncture combined with modified BYHWD for 4 consecutive weeks. TCM syndrome scores were compared between groups. Motor function was assessed via the Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA) and Berg balance scale (BBS). Serum levels of vascular endothelial function markers (tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), endothelin-1 (ET-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), nitric oxide (NO)] were measured, and total clinical effectiveness rates were analyzed.

Results

After 4 weeks, the acupuncture + BYHWD group exhibited significantly lower TCM syndrome scores (13.35 ± 1.59 vs. 20.12 ± 1.61, P < 0.05); higher FMA (70.91 ± 5.01 vs. 55.42 ± 5.20) and BBS scores (46.18 ± 1.79 vs. 33.35 ± 1.26); lower serum t-PA, ET-1, and vWF levels; higher NO levels; and a higher total clinical effectiveness rate (95.00% vs. 85.83%, P < 0.05) than those of the acupuncture group.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with modified BYHWD effectively improves TCM syndrome scores, motor function, and vascular endothelial function in ischemic stroke patients, with better clinical efficacy than acupuncture alone.