Comparative Efficacy of Body Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and Auricular Acupuncture in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of body acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and auricular acupuncture on motor, functional, and neurological recovery after stroke. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eligible studies enrolled adult stroke survivors receiving one of three acupuncture modalities versus control treatments. Primary outcome was motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment). Secondary outcomes included activities of daily living, neurological function, and safety. Pairwise and Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted. Results A total of 21 trials were included. Acupuncture significantly improved motor function compared with controls (SMD=6.48; 95% CI=4.72-8.24; P Conclusion Electroacupuncture demonstrated the most favorable overall therapeutic profile among the three acupuncture modalities, followed by body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture. These findings support modality-specific acupuncture selection for stroke rehabilitation while highlighting the need for additional head-to-head randomized trials.