Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Mar 26, 2025
Date Accepted: Aug 26, 2025
A Multi-Modal Imaging Study Protocol of Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial Based on Default Mode Network Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) significantly hampers the rehabilitation of patients, impacting vital functions such as limb control and speech. Numerous studies have affirmed the potential of acupuncture to enhance cognitive function in stroke patients, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. The default mode network (DMN) brain region has been established as closely linked to cognitive function. Our hypothesis posits that acupuncture may ameliorate cognitive function in PSCI patients by modulating DMN brain regions.
Objective:
To explore this hypothesis, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be employed to investigate the mechanism behind this effect.
Methods:
This study employs a randomized controlled approach, wherein eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either the acupuncture or conventional treatment groups. The therapeutic impact of acupuncture will be assessed using cognitive function scales, furnishing evidence for the rehabilitative potential of acupuncture in enhancing cognitive function among PSCI patients. Additionally, fMRI technology will be utilized to probe into the potential neuroimaging mechanisms.
Results:
We are currently in the recruitment phase, and we will publish the results in open source journals when the trial is completed.
Conclusions:
From a multi-modal neuroimaging perspective, this study unveils the impact of acupuncture on brain structure and function in PSCI patients, alongside its correlation with changes in cognitive function. The aim is to elucidate the direct targets and principles governing acupuncture's role in improving cognitive function, providing reliable imaging markers for evaluating the efficacy and prognosis of PSCI. The findings hold inherent clinical application value. Clinical Trial: This study has received ethics approval from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (No.2020 12-86). We are currently in the clinical trial registration stage, and we will complete the registration of clinical trial number before the completion of patient recruitment.
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