Effects of electroacupuncture at Juliao (GB29) on the gluteus medius and lower limb motor function in patients with stroke-related hemiplegia

To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Juliao (GB29) on lower limb motor function, balance function, and the gluteus medius contraction ratio and thickness in patients with stroke-related hemiplegia, as well as the correlation between the gluteus medius and lower limb motor function and balance function in these patients.

A total of 68 patients with stroke-related hemiplegia were randomly divided into an observation group (34 cases, with 1 dropped out and 1 withdrawal) and a control group (34 cases, with 2 dropped out). The control group received conventional acupuncture in addition to standard medical treatment for their underlying conditions, along with rehabilitation training. The observation group received EA at GB29 on the hemiplegic side for 30 min per session, once daily, 5 times a week, over a total treatment duration of 4 weeks, based on the control group’s treatment. Before treatment, the correlation between the contraction ratio of the gluteus medius and the scores of the lower limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was analyzed. The thickness of the gluteus medius was measured, and the contraction ratio was calculated before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Assessments of the lower limb FMA and BBS scores were conducted before treatment, and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.

Before treatment, the contraction ratio and thickness of the gluteus medius on the hemiplegic side were lower than those on the non-hemiplegic side in both groups (P<0.05). The gluteus medius contraction ratio before treatment demonstrated a positive correlation with the lower limb FMA and BBS scores (P<0.05). The gluteus medius contraction ratio and thickness on the hemiplegic side 4 weeks after treatment, as well as the lower limb FMA and BBS scores 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, were significantly higher than those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the observation group showed a greater contraction ratio of the gluteus medius, as well as higher FMA and BBS scores 4 weeks after treatment when compared with the control group (P<0.05).

The level of gluteus medius activation is positively correlated with lower limb motor function and balance function in patients with stroke-related hemiplegia. EA at the GB29 effectively activates the gluteus medius on the hemiplegic side, providing a stability mechanism for the lumbopelvic-hip complex, thereby improving lower limb motor function and balance in patients with stroke.