NCT07078175

Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture vs Electroacupuncture for Post-Stroke Upper Limb Recovery

Effectiveness of Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture Compared to Electroacupuncture in Improving Upper Limb Function in Early Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Dr Nguyen Ngo Le Minh Anh MD, PhD · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This is a single-center interventional study conducted at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, led by investigators from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific acupuncture protocol (Xingnao Kaiqiao - Brain Awakening Acupuncture) in improving upper limb motor recovery in post-ischemic stroke patients during the early rehabilitation phase. Data collection has been completed, and the study is currently being registered on ClinicalTrials.gov to ensure research transparency, ethical compliance, and to facilitate future publication. The final results and publication will be updated once the study receives a registration number.

Detailed description

This single-center interventional study was conducted at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation under the leadership of investigators from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Xingnao Kaiqiao (Brain Awakening) acupuncture protocol in improving upper limb motor recovery in patients during the early rehabilitation phase following an ischemic stroke. Eligible participants were screened and recruited according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients received standardized rehabilitation care, and the intervention group additionally received Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture targeting key acupoints associated with brain function and motor control. Outcomes were assessed using validated clinical scales and objective motor function tests. The study adhered strictly to ethical guidelines and was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (Approval No. 3332/HDDD-DHYD, dated November 6, 2024). Data collection and intervention have been completed, and the results are being prepared for formal analysis and publication. This registration serves to ensure research transparency and compliance with international standards for clinical trials.

Conditions

• Post-stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture	Acupuncture procedure developed by Prof. Shi Xuemin. Key acupoints include DU26, PC6, SP6, LI4, and GV20, applied with rapid and penetrating stimulation. Arm(s): Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture
PROCEDURE	Electroacupuncture	Routine electroacupuncture using standard acupoints for hemiplegic upper limb rehabilitation, including LI15, LI11, SJ5, and LI4, with low-frequency electrical stimulation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-01
• Primary completion: 2025-07-20
• Completion: 2025-08-01
• First posted: 2025-07-22
• Last updated: 2025-07-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Vietnam