Objective: To observe the effect of reinforcing and reducing manipulation by breathing on yin and yang meridian points for motor function of knee joints in patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods: A total of 60 ischemic stroke cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 30 in each group. Other than basic and conventional rehabilitation therapies, cases in the observation group were treated with reinforcing and reducing manipulation on yin and yang meridians points for a period of 8 weeks; whereas cases in the control group only received the same basic and conventional rehabilitation therapy as that in the observation group. Then the knee joint energy, support moment and shaking moment were compared between the two groups before treatment, and after 4-week and 8-week treatment respectively.
Results: Before treatment, there were no between-group significant differences in knee joint energy, support moment and shaking moment (all P>0.05). After treatment, the knee joint energy, support moment and shaking moment in both groups were significantly improved (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the knee joint energy, support moment and shaking moment in both groups were significantly improved than that of 4-week treatment (P<0.05). In addition, there were between-group statistical significances in comparing knee joint energy, support moment and shaking moment after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by breathing on yin and yang meridian points can increase the knee joint support and shaking force and moment in stroke patients and improve their walking ability.