Enhancing Balance and Motor Function After Stroke with Elongated Needles

Introduction to Elongated Needle Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Stroke is a significant global health concern, being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The effects of stroke can be devastating, leading to severe disabilities that impact motor functions and balance. Rehabilitation is crucial for stroke survivors, with various therapies available to aid in recovery. One such innovative approach that has gained attention is elongated needle therapy, a method rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This technique utilizes specially designed needles to stimulate acupuncture points, promoting recovery in motor functions and balance capabilities in stroke patients.

Elongated needles differ from traditional acupuncture needles in their design and application. These needles are longer and thinner, allowing for deeper penetration and more extensive stimulation of acupoints. The elongated needles can reach multiple acupuncture points with a single insertion, maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing discomfort. The technique, often referred to as piercing needling, enhances the efficacy of traditional acupuncture by providing a more significant stimulus to the nervous system, thereby facilitating motor recovery and balance improvement in stroke patients (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Mechanisms Behind Elongated Needle Efficacy in Rehabilitation

The therapeutic effects of elongated needle therapy are rooted in its ability to enhance neuroplasticity and improve cerebral blood flow. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, a crucial process following stroke. The stimulation from the elongated needles can activate various neurophysiological mechanisms that contribute to this reorganization.

Research supports the notion that acupuncture, including elongated needle therapy, can modulate the excitability of motor neurons and enhance synaptic transmission. By applying the needles to specific acupoints, practitioners aim to stimulate the motor cortex and connect it with the affected limbs. Studies have demonstrated that this stimulation can lead to increased motor function and balance, as the brain begins to adapt to the altered neurological pathways following stroke (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

In addition to stimulating neuroplasticity, elongated needle therapy promotes improved blood circulation in the affected areas. Enhanced blood flow helps supply essential nutrients and oxygen to brain tissue, which is vital for recovery. This can mitigate the effects of ischemia and improve overall brain function, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials on Motor Function

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of elongated needle therapy in improving motor functions and balance in stroke patients. The analysis included data from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the outcomes of elongated needle interventions compared to conventional therapies (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Table 1: Summary of Included Studies in Meta-Analysis

The results indicated a notable enhancement in balance and motor function as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Specifically, patients receiving elongated needle therapy showed a mean difference (MD) of 6.34 in balance improvement compared to those receiving conventional acupuncture. Similarly, the standardized mean difference (SMD) for motor function improvement was 1.21, highlighting the significant efficacy of elongated needle therapy in restoring motor capabilities post-stroke (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Impact of Elongated Needles on Balance Improvement in Stroke Patients

Balance is a critical aspect of recovery following a stroke, as it is directly linked to patients’ ability to engage in daily activities and maintain independence. The studies reviewed consistently showed that elongated needle therapy significantly improves balance in stroke patients. The ability to maintain stability and control over one’s body is essential for reducing the risk of falls and enhancing the quality of life.

In one trial, patients receiving elongated needle therapy exhibited greater improvements in their balance abilities compared to those undergoing traditional acupuncture or rehabilitation training. The BBS scores indicated that elongated needle therapy not only facilitated immediate balance recovery but also contributed to long-term improvements in stabilizing neural control over motor functions (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Table 2: Balance and Motor Function Improvements

The data from various trials converged on the conclusion that elongated needle therapy is particularly effective for enhancing balance, as evidenced by the statistically significant improvements in BBS scores (Zhang & Zhou, 2025).

Future Directions for Research and Clinical Application

Despite the promising results of elongated needle therapy in stroke rehabilitation, there remain several avenues for future research and clinical application. Ongoing studies should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, including the selection of acupuncture points, needle retention times, and treatment frequencies. This will facilitate the comparison of outcomes across different studies and improve the robustness of findings.

Moreover, further exploration of the underlying mechanisms through which elongated needle therapy exerts its benefits is essential. Advanced neuroimaging techniques could be employed to assess changes in brain activity and connectivity in real-time, providing deeper insights into how this therapy promotes neuroplasticity and recovery.

Table 3: Recommended Future Research Directions

These efforts will help solidify the role of elongated needle therapy within comprehensive stroke rehabilitation programs, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

FAQ

What is elongated needle therapy?
Elongated needle therapy is a form of acupuncture that uses longer, thinner needles to stimulate multiple acupoints with a single insertion, promoting recovery from stroke-related motor and balance dysfunctions.

How does it improve balance and motor function?
The therapy enhances neuroplasticity, increases blood circulation, and stimulates motor neurons, which collectively contribute to improved motor abilities and balance.

What are the primary outcomes measured in studies?
The primary outcomes include balance measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and motor function assessed through the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA).

Is it safe?
Most studies report no significant adverse reactions, indicating that elongated needle therapy is a safe option for stroke rehabilitation.

What are the future directions for this therapy?
Future research should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, exploring the underlying mechanisms of efficacy, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term outcomes.

References

1. Zhang, S., & Zhou, H. (2025). Efficacy of elongated needles for motor and balance function after a stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Surgery. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1511242

2. Liu, Y., Wang, Y., & Du, Y. (2024). Effects of elongated needles on post-stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review. Acupuncture Research

3. Zhang, J., Xu, S., & Wang, L. (2023). Immediate neuroplastic changes in the cortex after iTBS on the cerebellum of stroke patients: A preliminary fNIRS study. Frontiers in Neurology

4. Liu, J., Sun, K., & Chen, Q. (2025). Advances in astrocytes in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Frontiers in Surgery. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1511242

5. Taylor, B. et al. (2025). Decline in activities of daily living in the rarer dementias. General Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2024-101905