Clinical observation of tuina manipulations for tic disorders in kids

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina manipulations in treating different types of tic disorders (TD). Methods Eligible TD patients were classified into three types, transient tic disorders (TTD), chronic multiple tic disorders (CMTD) and Tourette syndrome (TS), according to their disease duration and severity. The three types of children were treated with the same tuina manipulations. Changes in the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) score, effective rate for tic, and cervical spine imaging examination results (including asymmetry of the lateral atlanto-dental interval, broadened anterior atlanto-dental interval, C 2 spinous process deviation, occipito-atlanto-axial flexion/extension instability) were observed after 1-month and 3-month treatments respectively. Results The YGTSS score changed significantly after 1-month and 3-month treatments compared with that before treatment (both P <0.01); the effective rate for TD was 46.6% and 86.7% respectively after 1-month and 3-month treatments; there were significant differences comparing the effective rate for tic between different types of TD after 1-month and 3-month treatments (all P <0.05); comparing the effective rate for tic after 1-month treatment with that after 3-month treatment for the same type, the intra-group differences were statistically significant [TTD group ( P <0.01), CMTD group ( P <0.01), TS group ( P <0.05)]; the abnormal parameter rates in neck imaging examination after 3-month treatment were significantly different from those before treatment (all P <0.01). Conclusion Tuina manipulation is effective for TTD, CMTD and TS. It can correct the abnormal alterations of patients’ cervical vertebrae, and its efficacy for TTD is most significant.