Objective

2

To investigate the effects of

Jin

's three-needles therapy combined with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep disorders and EEG activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

2

By using stratified randomization method

100 children of spastic CP with sleep disorders were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group

with 50 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with medication

comprehensive rehabilitation training

and

low-frequency rTMS

while the patients in the observation group were treated with

Jin

's three-needles therapy in addition to the interventions given to the control group. Acupoints selected included temporal three needles

brain three needles

intelligence three needles

four spirits needles

and bilateral Ganshu (BL 18)

Shenshu (BL 23)

Shenmai (BL 62)

and Zhaohai (KI 6). Treatment was given once daily

five times a week

for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) scores

modified Ashworth grade

Peabody developmental motor scales-2 (PDMS-2) score

and relative power values of δ

θ

β1

and β2 frequency bands in EEG were observed before and after treatment in both groups. Treatment safety was also evaluated.

Results

2

Compared before treatment

PSQI and CSHQ scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (

P

<

0.05)

with lower scores in the observation group than the control group (

P

<

0.05). The modified Ashworth grade showed improvement (

P

<

0.05)

with better results in the observation group (

P

<

0.05). PDMS-2 scores were increased in all dimensions (

P

<

0.05)

with higher scores in the observation group (

P

<

0.05). Relative power values of δ and θ frequency bands in EEG were decreased (

P

<

0.05)

with lower values in the observation group (

P

<

0.05)

while relative power values of β1 and β2 frequency bands were increased (

P

<

0.05)

with higher values in the observation group (

P

<

0.05). Children in both groups did not occurred obvious adverse reactions.

Conclusion

2

Jin

's three-needles therapy combined with low-frequency rTMS can effectively improve sleep disorders

spasticity and motor function

regulate EEG activity in children with spastic CP and sleep disorder

and h

ave good safety.