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Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39) and Tongli (HT5) Points in Post-Stroke Aphasia
Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Summary
Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is a prevalent and debilitating condition that significantly impairs communication, social participation, and quality of life, often leading to increased long-term healthcare costs and psychological burden. While speech therapy is the recommended standard of care, many patients face limitations in recovery, prompting exploration into integrative approaches. Traditional medicine, particularly electroacupuncture, has shown potential in enhancing neuro-functional recovery; however, further evidence is needed to optimize its integration with standard rehabilitative protocols. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at the Xuanzhong (GB39) and Tongli (HT5) acupoints combined with standardized speech therapy, aiming to improve language outcomes and patient quality of life. The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at the Xuanzhong (GB39) and Tongli (HT5) acupoints combined with speech therapy in patients with post-stroke aphasia, aged 18 to 75. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does electroacupuncture at the Xuanzhong and Tongli acupoints, combined with speech therapy and standard treatment, improve language recovery more effectively than the standard protocol alone, as measured by the BDAE and ART scales? * Does this combined approach significantly improve the quality of life (SAQOL-39) and correlate with functional language recovery in post-stroke patients? Researchers will compare the intervention group (electroacupuncture at Xuanzhong and Tongli combined with basic treatment and speech therapy) to a control group (electroacupuncture at other acupoints combined with basic treatment and speech therapy) to see if the specific acupoint combination enhances language rehabilitation. Participants will: * Undergo 4 weeks of electroacupuncture (once daily, 5 days per week) and speech therapy sessions. * Complete assessments of language function (BDAE, ART) and quality of life (SAQOL-39) at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. * Be monitored for any adverse effects, such as local pain, bleeding, bruising, or needle fainting, throughout the trial period.
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture at Xuanzhong (GB39) and Tongli (HT5) Acupoints in Patients With Post-Stroke Aphasia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-07
Completion Date
2028-01
Last Updated
2026-07-06
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture: Performed using a KWD-808I electroacupuncture device, set at a frequency of 2 Hz and an intensity of 2 mA. Acupoint Formula: Xuanzhong (3 cun above the apex of the lateral malleolus) and Tongli (1 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon). Procedure: Needles are inserted rapidly to achieve deqi, with a retention time of 20 minutes per session.
Basic treatment + Speech therapy
Participants receive standard basic treatment (management of blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, and antiplatelet therapy) alongside speech therapy (30 minutes/session, 5 days/week for 4 weeks).
Sham Electroacupuncture
Performed using the same electroacupuncture device, but with the intensity set to 0 mA to maintain blinding. Insertion Sites: Non-acupoint 1 (1 cm lateral to the Xuanzhong point towards the fibula) and Non-acupoint 2 (1 cm medial to the Tongli point towards the ulna). Procedure: Needles are inserted rapidly without deqi manipulation, with a retention time of 20 minutes per session.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Traditional medicine - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam