Introduction Currently, acupuncture therapy is widely used for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity. However, the available evidence remains insufficient to determine the relative effectiveness of different acupuncture protocols. Methods This study retrieved relevant databases and systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture treatment for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity. A total of 28 trials involving 14 acupuncture treatment protocols were included. A network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18 software. Results The results indicated that the Balanced Yin-Yang Acupuncture + Rehabilitation yielded the best outcomes in improving Fugl–Meyer Assessment scores, while Luan’s Three-Needle Technique combined with Meridian Sinew Cluster Needling + Rehabilitation was most effective in reducing modified Ashworth scale scores. Discussion A comparison of efficacy indicators across 14 different acupuncture methods combined with rehabilitation showed that Balanced Yin-Yang Acupuncture + Rehabilitation and Luan’s Three-Needle Technique combined with Meridian Sinew Cluster Needling + Rehabilitation were more effective in treating post-stroke upper-limb spasticity. Owing to limitations in the current body of research, these conclusions need to be further verified by more high-quality randomized controlled trials. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO , identifier CRD420251110982.
Xing et al. (Tue,) studied this question.