ObjectivesTo analyze the development of acupuncture registered trials based on WHO international clinical trial registration platform (ICTRP) in the past 5 years.MethodsWHO ICTRP database was electronically searched to collect acupuncture-related clinical trials registered from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened items, extracted data, and descriptive analysis was performed for the included trials.ResultsThe results showed that there were 1 556 registered clinical trials on acupuncture, and the most registered year was 2017. China was in the main country in applying for acupuncture-related clinical trials, however, the most registered unit was Kyung Hee University in Korea. The trials were mainly interventional research, mostly used randomized, blinded methods, and design modes were mainly based on parallel trials. In clinical trial phase, the majority were in the clinical trial period of treatment of new technologies. The field of clinical research was expected to be on pain in the future.ConclusionsAlthough acupuncture research is currently in a good stage of development, it should still value on the quality and innovative training of relevant trials, strengthen Chinese ties with other countries, focus on regional, domestic and international cooperation, expand research types, and enhance acupuncture applicability.
Objective To review recent research progress on nerve transfer for the reconstruction of upper limb function following peripheral nerve injury and central nervous system injury. Methods A retrospective analysis of recent domestic and international literature on nerve transfer was conducted. The evolution of nerve transfer surgery from its application in peripheral nerve injuries to its extension to central nervous system injuries was described. The current therapeutic status of nerve transfer in upper limb hemiplegia resulting from spinal cord injury and brain injury was discussed, and the central role of central nervous system plasticity in postoperative functional recovery was analyzed. ResultsNerve transfer is a crucial technique for upper limb function reconstruction, initially used to treat peripheral nerve injuries such as brachial plexus injuries. In recent years, this technique has gradually expanded into the field of central nervous system injuries. In cervical spinal cord injuries, various nerve transfer procedures can restore elbow flexion, wrist extension, and hand grasping functions, with efficacy correlated with the activation of plasticity in the spinal cord distal to the injury site. In cases of upper limb hemiplegia following brain injury, contralateral C7 nerve transfer is the primary procedure, which can significantly reduce muscle tone and improve partial motor function; however, its ability to enhance fine motor skills and key muscle strength remains limited, and challenges such as maladaptive plasticity and co-activatory patterns persist. Mechanisms of central plasticity involve interhemispheric reorganization, activation of cortico-red nucleus-spinal pathways, and the remodeling of sensorimotor networks. Conclusion The expansion of nerve transfer techniques from “peripheral repair” to “induction of central plasticity” offers a new strategy for treating central upper limb paralysis. However, current applications in brain injury are limited by a lack of surgical diversity and restricted central plasticity. Future efforts should integrate cell/gene therapy, electrical stimulation, novel transfer techniques, and systematic rehabilitation training to enhance neural regeneration and central plasticity, thereby further improving therapeutic outcomes.