Background: Acupuncture is frequently used to manage pediatric cerebral palsy (CP), yet updated evidence is needed to guide future research and clinical practice.
Methods: Seven databases were searched from 1994 to 26 June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving body, scalp, or ear acupuncture for managing CP, excluding acupoint injection, catgut embedding, electro-acupuncture, or laser acupuncture, were included.
Results: Twenty RCTs with 1797 participants were analyzed. Acupuncture groups had better improvements in gross motor function measure (GMFM) scores by 5% (mean difference: 5.93, 95% CI: 3.67-8.19, p < 0.001, I2 = 57%); a 16% higher probability to yield prominent improvement in effectiveness rate (ER) (risk ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%); and better outcomes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.3, 95%, CI: 0.11-0.49, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SMD: 2.48; 95% CI: 2.00-2.97, p < 0.001, I2 = 72%) and ADL (SMD: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.23-2.08, p < 0.001, I2 = 91%). Studies with eight core acupoints identified from all ninety-five acupoints had better ER.
Conclusions: Acupuncture, especially using core acupoints, may be effective for managing symptoms in children with CP.
Keywords: acupuncture; cerebral palsy; core acupoints; meta-analysis; pediatric.