A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Gastrointestinal Motility, Nutritional Status, and Immune Function in Patients Following Cerebrovascular Accident Surgery

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) is a technique that involves stimulating specific acupoints on the body with electrical currents. It may regulate nerve excitability and improve nerve function. This study aimed to assess the impact of TEAS on gastrointestinal motility, nutrition, and immune function in patients post cerebrovascular accident surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial included 300 post-cerebrovascular surgery patients at Lishui Central Hospital (January 2021-June 2023). Patients were randomly assigned to TEAS or control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The TEAS group received TEAS at bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Tianshu (ST25), Neiguan (PC6), and Hegu (LI4) according to the International Acupuncture Point Code, plus standard care. The control group received routine enteral nutrition and sham TEAS. Nutritional, immune, and gastrointestinal motility indicators were compared. RESULTS: < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early TEAS intervention positively impacted recovery, shortened ICU stay, and improved outcomes in patients post cerebrovascular accident surgery.