Acupuncture alters cortical and corticomuscular functional connectivity in stroke patients with motor dysfunction

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of global mortality and disability, often resulting in severe motor dysfunction. Acupuncture has shown promise in stroke rehabilitation, but its neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the immediate effects of acupuncture at GV26, PC6, and SP6 on cortical and corticomuscular functional connectivity in stroke patients with motor dysfunction. Fifteen stroke patients were recruited and their resting-state electroencephalography (EEG), as well as EEG and electromyography (EMG) during unilateral static ankle dorsiflexion were recorded under five conditions: no acupuncture, acupuncture at GV26, PC6, SP6, and all above three acupoints. Then, we analyzed resting-state brain networks and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) during ankle dorsiflexion tasks. Acupuncture at PC6 and all three acupoints significantly enhanced topological parameters of brain networks in the theta band, indicating improved cortical functional integration. Additionally, acupuncture at PC6, SP6, and all three acupoints increased CMC in beta and gamma bands, suggesting strengthened corticomuscular coupling. These results demonstrate that acupuncture acutely modulates both central and peripheral neural pathways, with acupoint-specific immediate effects. The study provides preliminary neurophysiological evidence supporting the acupoint specificity effects in stroke patients and highlights the potential for developing personalized acupuncture prescriptions pending further long-term validation.

Keywords

acupuncture / brain networks / corticomuscular coherence / functional connectivity / stroke rehabilitation

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