Comparison of Different Rehabilitation Techniques of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Motor Dysfunction After Stroke Based on Frequency Method: A Network Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of different traditional Chinese and western medicine rehabilitation techniques on motor dysfunction after stroke using a network meta-analysis. Methods CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to September 2022. We independently searched and screened randomized controlled trials of rehabilitation techniques for poststroke motor dysfunction treatment, evaluated the quality, and analyzed the data using Stata 14.0. Results Seventy-four randomized controlled trials involving nine rehabilitation techniques and 5128 patients were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed the following orders regarding improvement of the total scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, and Berg Balance Scale: biofeedback therapy > mirror therapy > repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation > acupuncture therapy > transcranial direct current stimulation > Taichi > common therapy, virtual reality > transcranial direct current stimulation > repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation > mirror therapy > common therapy, and acupuncture therapy > virtual reality > neuromuscular electrical stimulation > mirror therapy > common therapy > transcranial direct current stimulation, respectively. Conclusions Biofeedback therapy had the best comprehensive effect, while virtual reality was the best intervention for improving the index of action research arm test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-lower extremity. Acupuncture therapy improved lower limb balance function.