Observation on the immediate effects of acupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB 34) on passive movement in cerebral infarction patients

Objective To observe central immediate effect of acupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB 34) on passive movement of cerebral infarction paitents with hemiplegia by functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) and provide reference for clinical treatment.Methods With 1.5 T MRI scanner,six cases of right cerebral infarction paitents with left hemiplegia in recovery stage were scanned during passive fingers movement before and after acupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB 34),which was controlled with sham-acupoint acupuncture to observe immediate activated part of the corresponding brain.Results The activated areas of the passive movement in all the patients were mainly motor sensory cortex on the right side.Compared with sham-acupoint,in the left anterior insula,inferior frontal gyrus,central gyrus,fusiform gyrus,cerebellum,acupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB 34) has better central effect.These areas were involved with several brain networks.Conclusion The acupuncture at Yanglingquan(GB 34) could promote recover of helmiplegia by regulating motor-related network.