Effect of "Tiaoshen Yizhi" acupuncture on resting-state EEG phase lag index in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-3240.2026.02.006

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective

To explore the potential early effect of "Tiaoshen Yizhi" acupuncture on the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) phase lag index (PLI) in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and to evaluate the correlation between PLI and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score.

Methods

A total of 48 patients with aMCI recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University and its affiliated community health service centers from June 2020 to December 2023 were randomly divided into acupuncture group (24 cases) and sham acupuncture group (24 cases) using the random number table method. In the acupuncture group, Sishencong (EX-HN1), Yintang (GV29), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Fenglong (ST40), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taixi (KI3) and Taichong (LR3) were selected. The sham acupuncture group adopted non-meridian non-acupoint points 1.0 cun lateral to the above acupoints. Both groups received treatment 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), 30 minutes each time, for 8 consecutive weeks. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. Resting-state EEG signals were collected for 6 minutes respectively before and after intervention, the PLI of EEG functional connectivity was calculated, and the correlation between PLI and MoCA score was analyzed. Safety evaluation was also performed.

Results

After intervention, the MoCA score of the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that before intervention (t=3.74, P<0.05); the MMSE and MoCA scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (t=2.818, 2.309, P<0.05). After intervention, the PLI of δ band in the acupuncture group was markedly increased compared with baseline (t=5.41, P<0.05), and was higher than that in the sham acupuncture group (t=5.14, P<0.05). In the acupuncture group, the difference value of MoCA score before and after treatment was significantly positively correlated with the difference value of δ band PLI (r=0.567 5, P=0.003 8).

Conclusion

"Tiaoshen Yizhi" acupuncture can regulate EEG functional connectivity and improve cognitive function in aMCI patients. The δ-band PLI may serve as a neurophysiological marker for the early curative effect of acupuncture. Its mechanism may be related to enhancing the synchrony of slow-wave oscillations and delaying cognitive decline.

Key words: Acupuncture therapy, Cognition disorders, Functional connectivity, Phase lag index

Liwei Chen, Han Zhang, Xingchen Zhou, Jing Chen, Zesen Zhuang, Shiqi Wang, Yuxing Kuang, Shangjie Chen. Effect of "Tiaoshen Yizhi" acupuncture on resting-state EEG phase lag index in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment[J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(02): 94-101.

/ / Recommend

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: https://zhzjdzzz.cma-cmc.com.cn/EN/10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-3240.2026.02.006

https://zhzjdzzz.cma-cmc.com.cn/EN/Y2026/V15/I02/94

Figures/Tables 4

项目	针刺组（n=24）	假针组（n=24）	统计值	P值
男/女（例）	11/13	9/15	χ²=0.343	0.558
年龄（岁， $x ¯$ ±s）	60.38±4.59	61.67±3.78	t=-1.015	0.310
受教育年限（年， $x ¯$ ±s）	9.08±3.16	9.04±3.24	t=0.045	0.964
吸烟（例，有/无）	7/17	4/20	χ²=1.061	0.303
饮酒（例，有/无）	7/17	6/18	χ²=0.105	0.745
总体衰退量表等级（例，2级/3级）	20/4	22/2	χ²=0.762	0.383
ADL评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	14.0±0.0	14.0±0.0	NA	NA
Hachinski缺血量表评分［分，M（P₂₅，P₇₅）］	1（1，1）	1（1，1）	U=0.124	0.940
MMSE评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	2.00±1.22	1.54±1.22	t=1.306	0.198
MoCA评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	21.33±2.30	21.50±2.13	t=-0.261	0.795

项目	针刺组（n=24）	假针组（n=24）	统计值	P值
男/女（例）	11/13	9/15	χ²=0.343	0.558
年龄（岁， $x ¯$ ±s）	60.38±4.59	61.67±3.78	t=-1.015	0.310
受教育年限（年， $x ¯$ ±s）	9.08±3.16	9.04±3.24	t=0.045	0.964
吸烟（例，有/无）	7/17	4/20	χ²=1.061	0.303
饮酒（例，有/无）	7/17	6/18	χ²=0.105	0.745
总体衰退量表等级（例，2级/3级）	20/4	22/2	χ²=0.762	0.383
ADL评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	14.0±0.0	14.0±0.0	NA	NA
Hachinski缺血量表评分［分，M（P₂₅，P₇₅）］	1（1，1）	1（1，1）	U=0.124	0.940
MMSE评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	2.00±1.22	1.54±1.22	t=1.306	0.198
MoCA评分（分， $x ¯$ ±s）	21.33±2.30	21.50±2.13	t=-0.261	0.795

组别	例数	MoCA评分	MMSE评分
针刺组	24
干预前		21.33±2.30	2.00±1.22
干预后		22.79±2.59^ab	2.13±0.99^b
假针组	24
干预前		21.50±2.13	1.54±1.22
干预后		20.79±2.32	1.46±1.02

组别	δ频段	θ频段	α频段	β频段
针刺组
干预前	0.294 3±0.006 8	0.269 3±0.016 8	0.288 1±0.071 0	0.143 7±0.019 0
干预后	0.302 4±0.009 0^ab	0.268 1±0.008 1	0.287 6±0.051 7	0.144 2±0.010 1
假针组
干预前	0.290 8±0.009 8	0.268 1±0.008 1	0.269 9±0.071 0	0.116 6±0.011 5
干预后	0.288 0±0.010 3	0.269 3±0.016 8	0.274 8±0.051 7	0.125 9±0.038 0

References 42

1	Kosaner Kließ M，Martins R，Connolly MP. Major cost drivers in assessing the economic burden of Alzheimer's disease：a structured，rapid review［J］. J Prev Alzheimers Dis，2021，8（3）：362-370.
2	Chen S，Cao Z，Nandi A，et al. The global macroeconomic burden of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias：estimates and projections for 152 countries or territories［J］. Lancet Glob Health，2024，12（9）：e1534-e1543.
3	Liampas I，Folia V，Morfakidou R，et al. Language differences among individuals with normal cognition，amnestic and non-amnestic MCI，and Alzheimer's disease［J］. Arch Clin Neuropsychol，2023，38（4）：525-536.
4	Jack CJ，Bennett DA，Blennow K，et al. NIA-AA research framework：toward a biological definition of Alzheimer's disease［J］. Alzheimers Dement，2018，14（4）：535-562.
5	Wang T，He H，Shi Y，et al. Prevalence，incidence and modifiable factors for subtypes of mild cognitive impairment：results from the longitudinal ageing study in China［J］. Gen Psychiatr，2025，38（2）：e101736.
6	Zhang X，Lian S，Zhang Y，et al. Efficacy and safety of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment：a systematic review and Meta-analysis［J］. Clin Neurol Neurosur，2022，213：107134.
7	He W，Li M，Han X，et al. Acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment and dementia：an overview of systematic reviews［J］. Front Aging Neurosci，2021，13：647629.
8	Yin Z，Li Y，Jiang C，et al. Acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment：a systematic review with Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis［J］. Front Neurol，2023，13：1091125.
9	史宗言，王栩，张智龙，等. 调神益智针法治疗髓海不足型轻度认知障碍随机对照研究［J］. 中医临床研究，2023，15（29）：82-86.
10	Cassani R，Estarellas M，San-Martin R，et al. Systematic review on resting-state EEG for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression assessment［J］. Dis Markers，2018，2018：5174815.
11	Hanslmayr S，Axmacher N，Inman CS. Modulating human memory via entrainment of brain oscillations［J］. Trends Neurosci，2019，42（7）：485-499.
12	Vecchio F，Babiloni C，Lizio R，et al. Resting state cortical EEG rhythms in Alzheimer's disease：toward EEG markers for clinical applications：a review［J］. Suppl Clin Neurophysiol，2013，62：223-236.
13	Babiloni C，Ferri R，Binetti G，et al. Fronto-parietal coupling of brain rhythms in mild cognitive impairment：a multicentric EEG study［J］. Brain Res Bull，2006，69（1）：63-73.
14	Li X，Wu Y，Wei M，et al. A novel index of functional connectivity：phase lag based on Wilcoxon signed rank test［J］. Cogn Neurodyn，2021，15（4）：621-636.
15	Yu M，Gouw AA，Hillebrand A，et al. Different functional connectivity and network topology in behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease：an EEG study［J］. Neurobiol Aging，2016，42：150-162.
16	Cohen MX. Effects of time lag and frequency matching on phase-based connectivity［J］. J Neurosci Meth，2015，250：137-146.
17	中国痴呆与认知障碍诊治指南写作组，中国医师协会神经内科医师分会认知障碍疾病专业委员会. 2018中国痴呆与认知障碍诊治指南（五）：轻度认知障碍的诊断与治疗［J］. 中华医学杂志，2018，98（17）：1294-1301.
18	Winblad B，Palmer K，Kivipelto M，et al. Mild cognitive impairment--beyond controversies，towards a consensus：report of the International Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment［J］. J Intern Med，2004，256（3）：240-246.
19	Nasreddine ZS，Phillips NA，Bédirian V，et al. The Montreal cognitive assessment，MoCA：a brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment［J］. J Am Geriatr Soc，2005，53（4）：695-699.
20	Li X，Jia S，Zhou Z，et al. The role of the Montreal cognitive assessment（MoCA）and its memory tasks for detecting mild cognitive impairment［J］. Neurol Sci，2018，39（6）：1029-1034.
21	Stam CJ，Nolte G，Daffertshofer A. Phase lag index：assessment of functional connectivity from multi channel EEG and MEG with diminished bias from common sources［J］. Hum Brain Mapp，2007，28（11）：1178-1193.
22	Babiloni C，Arakaki X，Azami H，et al. Measures of resting state EEG rhythms for clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease：Recommendations of an expert panel［J］. Alzheimers Dement，2021，17（9）：1528-1553.
23	Petersen RC，Lopez O，Armstrong MJ，et al. Practice guideline update summary：mild cognitive impairment［RETIRED］：report of the guideline development，dissemination，and implementation subcommittee of the American academy of neurology［J］. Neurology，2018，90（3）：126-135.
24	Karrasch M，Laine M，Rinne JO，et al. Brain oscillatory responses to an auditory-verbal working memory task in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease［J］. Int J Psychophysiol，2006，59（2）：168-178.
25	Moffet HH. Sham acupuncture may be as efficacious as true acupuncture：a systematic review of clinical trials［J］. J Altern Complement Med，2009，15（3）：213-216.
26	Langevin HM，Bouffard NA，Badger GJ，et al. Subcutaneous tissue fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling induced by acupuncture：evidence for a mechanotransduction-based mechanism［J］. J Cell Physiol，2006，207（3）：767-774.
27	Streitberger K，Kleinhenz J. Introducing a placebo needle into acupuncture research［J］. Lancet，1998，352（9125）：364-365.
28	顾超，沈婷，梅国江，等. 遗忘型轻度认知损害中医证型分布特点的临床观察研究［J］. 中华中医药学刊，2015，33（12）：2881-2884.
29	张旭龙，王明威，白秀，等. 石学敏院士醒脑开窍针法临床拓展应用［J］. 中医学报，2021，36（3）：1493-1496.
30	Eyler LT，Elman JA，Hatton SN，et al. Resting state abnormalities of the default mode network in mild cognitive impairment：a systematic review and Meta-analysis［J］. J Alzheimers Dis，2019，70（1）：107-120.
31	Wang X，Huang T，Lei H，et al. Immediate and sustained effects of acupuncture on the default mode network［J］. Braz J Psychiatry，2025，47：e20254202.
32	Zhang S，Wang Y，Zhang J，et al. Brain activation and inhibition after acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi：resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging［J］. Neural Regen Res，2015，10（2）：292-297.
33	Cao Y，Gao Q，Peng X，et al. Effect of acupuncture on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly：a randomized controlled trial［J］. Contemp Clin Trials Commun，2023，36：101231.
34	Li YQ，Chen ZW，He H，et al. Acupuncture modulates spatiotemporal neuronal dynamics in mild cognitive impairment：a protocol for simultaneous EEG-fMRI study［J］. J Multidiscip Healthc，2025，18：2523-2539.
35	Caravaglios G，Muscoso EG，Blandino V，et al. EEG resting-state functional networks in amnestic mild cognitive impairment［J］. Clin Eeg Neurosci，2023，54（1）：36-50.
36	Yi G，Wang L，Chu C，et al. Analysis of complexity and dynamic functional connectivity based on resting-state EEG in early Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment［J］. Cogn Neurodyn，2022，16（2）：309-323.
37	Duan F，Huang Z，Sun Z，et al. Topological network analysis of early Alzheimer's disease based on resting-state EEG［J］. Ieee Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng，2020，28（10）：2164-2172.
38	Chaturvedi M，Bogaarts JG，Kozak CV，et al. Phase lag index and spectral power as QEEG features for identification of patients with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease［J］. Clin Neurophysiol，2019，130（10）：1937-1944.
39	Guntekin B，Basar E. Review of evoked and event-related delta responses in the human brain［J］. Int J Psychophysiol，2016，103：43-52.
40	Li X，Qu X，Shi K，et al. Physical exercise for brain plasticity promotion an overview of the underlying oscillatory mechanism［J］. Front Neurosci-Switz，2024，18：1440975.
41	Gomez C，Stam CJ，Hornero R，et al. Disturbed beta band functional connectivity in patients with mild cognitive impairment：an MEG study［J］. Ieee Trans Biomed Eng，2009，56（6）：1683-1690.
42	López ME，Garcés P，Cuesta P，et al. Synchronization during an internally directed cognitive state in healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment：a MEG study［J］. Age（Dordr），2014，36（3）：9643.

[1]	Pingyan Zhang, Gaxi Ye. Treating insomnia from the interaction of sinew-spirit: practice and reflections on learning meridian-sinew acupuncture from Master of Chinese Medicine Academician Shi Xuemin [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(02): 77-83.
[2]	Xibin Xu, Songjiao Li, Hongbo Jia, Yibing Li, Wei Liu, Xiaonong Fan. Interpretation on International Standardized Manipulations of Chinese Medicine Tongguan Liqiao Acupuncture Therapy for Post-Stroke Dysphagia [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(01): 57-60.
[3]	Linxi Sun, Xintong Yu, Ke Wang, Xuqiang Wei, Chenchen Feng, Jia Zhou. Perioperative acupuncture in enhanced recovery after surgery: advantages, challenges and countermeasures [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(01): 30-36.
[4]	Xiaoya Wei, Xu Wang, Xinyuan Jiang, Nana Yang, Zeyi Wang, Jianfeng Tu, Cunzhi Liu. Clinical research progress in magnetic resonance imaging for acupuncture treatment of essential hypertension [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(01): 43-46.
[5]	Ke Sun, Guangxia Ni. Clinical experience of professor Ni Guangxia in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with multi-directional penetration acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4) and Waixiyan (EX-LE5) with long needles [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(01): 53-56.
[6]	Jiangwei Shi, Tong Li, Chun Sun. Acupuncture and brain science: foundational integration, conceptual interpretation, and future perspectives [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 133-139.
[7]	Ninghui Zhi, Dongyan Wang, Hong Huo, Jingyi Li, Yue Liu. Brain protective mechanisms of acupuncture treatment in stroke from the perspective of neuroimaging: current status and reflections [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 140-146.
[8]	Shizhe Deng, Bifang Zhuo, Shangkun Si, Chun Sun, Zhihong Meng. Research on multi-omics mechanisms of acupuncture intervention in post-stroke aphasia: progress and prospects [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 147-152.
[9]	Tianqi Wang, Shu Wang, Chun Sun. Research progress on the mechanism of acupuncture treatment for hypertension [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 153-156.
[10]	Congshu Jiao, Zefei Jiang, Xinjia Zhao, Linjuan Fan, Lu Chen, Jiangwei Shi. Systematic review and Meta-analysis of pure acupuncture in the treatment of essential hypertension [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 161-166.
[11]	Kaixuan Ma, Wenlong Gu, Lili Zhang, Yuzheng Du. Interpretation on International Standardized Manipulations of Chinese Medicine Tiaoshen Yizhi Acupuncture Therapy for Post-stroke Mild Cognitive Impairment [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(04): 173-176.
[12]	Haibo Cheng. Exploration of the concept of "combined acupuncture and medication for efficacy enhancement and drug reduction" from the perspective of chronic disease prevention and control [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(03): 89-93.
[13]	Yanjun Zhang. Scientific connotations and clinical value of acupuncture and medication: a new path for mechanism innovation and prevention of major diseases [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(03): 94-98.
[14]	Qiaoying Yin, Yani Qian, Huien Lei, Shiliu Wang, Tingting Li, Ruihua Yin, Lu Lu. Combined acupuncture and medication in the treatment of obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome: a randomized controlled trial [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(03): 99-103.
[15]	Peisen Dai, Dongsheng Guo, Chao Zhang, Aifeng Liu, Hongfei Xue, Peijian Wang, Wenda Li, Kuiliang Gao. Research progress on the combined use of acupuncture and medication in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis [J]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(Electronic Edition), 2025, 14(03): 104-106.

Please choose a citation manager

Content to export