Alternative Health Blog

Acupuncture Improves Gait in the Elderly

By Derrick DeSilva Jr., M.D., Community Insider -- Published: March 29, 2011

In a multiple-blinded, randomized, controlled, intervention trial involving 60 geriatric patients undergoing rehabilitation, stimulation of one acupuncture point (ST-34, located on the thigh), chosen according to principles of traditional Chinese medicine, led to statistically significant improvements in gait performance (velocity, cadence, stride length, cycle time, step time, single support, double support), as compared to the control group who received needling at a non-acupuncture point. The authors conclude, "If sustainability of effects can be documented, acupuncture may prove to be an inexpensive intervention that may mildly improve motor performance in frail geriatric patients."

Reference:

"Stimulation of Acupoint ST-34 Acutely Improves Gait Performance in Geriatric Patients During Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Hauer K, Wendt I, et al, Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2011 Jan; 92(1): 7-14. (Address: Department of Geriatric Research, Bethanien-Hospital/Geriatric Centre at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany).

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