Revealed an unexpected way to speed up recovery after stroke

Shanghai scientists have found that acupuncture may help restore motor functions in stroke patients. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics.

As reported by TUT.AZ, 56 patients participated in the experiment. Over the course of two weeks, one group underwent a course of traditional acupuncture, while the other received a procedure without stimulation of therapeutic points.

The results were impressive: patients who received real acupuncture showed significantly faster recovery of arm and leg mobility. Moreover, brain scans recorded an increase in gray matter volume in areas responsible for movement and coordination. A clear pattern was observed — the more noticeable these structural changes were, the more successful the recovery of motor functions.

As Chinese researchers explain, acupuncture can stimulate neuroplasticity of the brain — the unique ability of the nervous system to build new connections after damage. Nevertheless, the scientists emphasize that larger-scale clinical trials will be needed to draw definitive conclusions.