EVALUATING THE RECOVERY EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL HERBAL DECOCTIONS ON POST-STROKE ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the recovery benefits of integrating acupuncture with Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Siwei Jianbu Decoction on post-stroke rehabilitation in athletes. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed medical records of 66 athletes diagnosed with cerebral infarction sequelae from June 2021 to June 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: the control group received standard Western medication and acupuncture, while the observation group was treated with a combination of Buyang Huanwu and Siwei Jianbu Decoctions, in addition to acupuncture. Outcomes assessed included quality of life, neurological function, motor skills, daily living abilities, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and hemorheological markers. Results: Post-treatment, the observation group exhibited significantly improved scores in general health, social functioning, and mental health compared to the control group (P<0.05). Neurological deficit scores (NIHSS) were notably lower, and both Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores were higher in the observation group (P<0.05). Improvements in hemiparesis, hemiplegia, and speech functions were more pronounced in the observation group, along with favorable changes in hemorheological properties like plasma viscosity and platelet aggregation, although these did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Combining acupuncture with Buyang Huanwu and Siwei Jianbu Decoctions significantly enhances neurological recovery, motor function, and independence in daily activities among athletes recovering from cerebral infarction. These findings support the integration of traditional therapies into rehabilitation programs for athletes to optimize recovery and functional outcomes post-stroke. This approach underscores the potential of tailored traditional treatments in sports medicine and rehabilitation.