Clinical Research of Du Meridian-dredging Method Combined with Dorsiflexion Ankle Foot Orthotics on Walking Ability in Patients with Hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE To observe the influence of Du meridian-dredging method combined with dorsiflexion ankle foot orthotics on walking ability in patients with hemiplegia. METHODS 121 ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia were divided into the treatment group(n=61) and the control group(n=60) using random single blind control method. Conventional rehabilitation trainings including Bobath technology and ankle-foot orthoses were given to patients in the control group， while those in the treatment group were further given meridian dredging massage. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks in total. Variation of parameters before and after treatment were compared including lower limb movement function score， the fastest walking velocity measured over 10 meters， gait space， time parameters， as well as angle of knee flexion and extension during walk in two groups were compared. RESULTS Before the treatment， all parameters had no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). After 8 weeks， there was a significant difference on all parameters of both groups(P<0.01)， but the treatment group improved much more than the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION The meridian dredging massage with dorsiflexion ankle foot orthotics can improve movement function and walking ability in patients with hemiplegia.