A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Abdominal Acupuncture on Post-Stroke Depression

Objective: China has the highest stroke incidence in the world, with a large percentage of post-stroke depression (PSD). Abdominal acupuncture is used frequently to treat PSD. This research systematically evaluated the clinical efficacy of this treatment for PSD. Methods: A literature search retrieved randomized controlled trials in English and Chinese on abdominal acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies (experimental groups), compared to conventional therapies (control groups) for treating PSD from January 2000 to November 2020. Literature quality was evaluated with the Cochrane Library bias-risk assessment tool. RevMan5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 10 RCTs involving 708 patients were evaluated. Hamilton Depression Scale scores of the experimental groups were significantly lower than in the control groups (mean difference [MD] = -2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.89, -1.78; P < 0.00001). Total effective rates of the experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control groups (odds ratio = 3.90; 95% CI: 2.29, 6.62, P < 0.00001). Barthel index scores in the experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control groups (MD = -11.39; 95% CI: 9.07, 13.72; P < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores between the 2 groups (MD = -0.03; 95% CI: -0.68, 0.62; P = 0.93). Conclusions: Abdominal acupuncture for treating PSD is generally effective. However, the degree of neurologic improvement needs further investigation.