Effects of integrative medicine protocols on the improvement of neural function deficit and disability outcomes in patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke

I would have to see the details on this before I believe Integrative medicine is useful for anything at all.
 Read deconstructions of integrative medicine here; here and here.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22013790

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study the effects of integrative medicine protocols on the neural function deficit and short-term disability outcomes in patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke.

METHODS:

99 patients were randomly assigned to three groups, i.e., the Dengzhan Xixin (fleabane) group (Group A), the Kudiezi (sowthistle-leaf ixeris seedling) group (Group B), and the Western medicine control group (Group C). Dengzhan Xixin Injection was intravenously dripped to patients in Group A for 14 days. Chinese decoction was administered to them by pattern typing as well. Meanwhile, they took Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule for two months. Kudiezi Injection was intravenously dripped to patients in Group B for 14 days. Chinese decoction was administered to them by pattern typing as well. Meanwhile, they took Naoshuantong Capsule for two months. In addition to internal therapies, patients in Group A and B received acupuncture, massage, and external washing with Chinese medicine for 21 days. Patients in Group C also received modem rehabilitation therapy for 21 days, including rehabilitation training and electronic stimulus in addition to the internal medicine. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and disability outcome (modified Rank Scale, mRS) were taken as main effect indices.

RESULTS:

The NIHSS scores at each time point obviously decreased more than before treatment in all the three groups (P<0.01), but with no difference at each time point (P>0.05). The disability outcomes of all the three groups postponed as time went by. Significant difference existed among the three groups by log-lineal model (CATMOD) (P<0.05). The best effect was shown in Group B, with the markedly effective rate of 19. 35% and the total effective rate 54.84%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The integrative medicine protocols could??? improve the nerve functions of ischemic stroke patients. Therefore, it could improve the disability outcomes. The comprehensive protocol (Kudiezi Injection + Naoshuantong Capsule + Chinese decoction according to pattern typing + acupuncture + massage + external washing with Chinese medicine) was better.