BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Scalp cluster acupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) have been shown to improve functional recovery in patients with acute stroke. However, stroke rehabilitation usually requires a multidisciplinary care which combing different therapeutic approaches. The combined effects of scalp cluster acupuncture and CIMT were unknown. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed to compare the functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke patients received either combined therapy of scalp cluster acupuncture and CIMT (experimental group) or body acupuncture and traditional rehabilitation therapy (control group). Patients with first time unilateral cerebral infarction in internal carotid artery system, onset within 3 days, and muscle strength of the affected upper limb less than grade III without obvious sensory disturbance and speech disorder were enrolled. Patients' functional recovery, as evaluated by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale and blood oxygenation level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI), was recorded and compared after two weeks' interventions. RESULTS: FMA scale and BOLD-fMRI showed statistically significant improvements after intervention rehabilitations in both groups. This improvement was more prominent in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: A novel therapy which combined scalp cluster acupuncture and CIMT could significantly improve functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

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