Electroacupuncture-Induced Changes in Tongue Features in Early Stroke Patients Using ZMT-1A Imaging System

Tongue diagnosis is one of the four traditional diagnostic methods in Chinese and Vietnamese traditional medicine. It reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of the internal organs and is considered an objective and noninvasive indicator for syndrome differentiation. However, tongue diagnosis has historically relied on practitioner experience, which may be subject to environmental conditions and inter-observer variability.

In recent years, automated tongue diagnostic systems (ATDS) have been developed to standardize and objectify tongue assessment. One such system, ZMT-1A, is equipped with a controlled lighting environment, a calibrated camera, and built-in algorithms for analyzing tongue body and coating features. This study uses the ZMT-1A system to capture and analyze tongue images of stroke patients undergoing electroacupuncture treatment.

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Early rehabilitation within the first 3 months post-stroke is essential for functional recovery. In Vietnam, electroacupuncture is integrated into standard care for stroke rehabilitation and is believed to regulate qi and blood, restore meridian circulation, and support organ function. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of electroacupuncture on tongue characteristics, which may reflect internal changes and treatment response.

This single-group pre-post interventional study will recruit 385 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke in the early recovery stage (day 2 to 3 months post-onset) from three clinical sites: the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Rehabilitation and Orthopedics, the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Medicine Hospital, and University Medical Center - Campus 3. All participants will receive a 4-week course of electroacupuncture based on national standardized acupoint protocols for stroke.

Data collection will include: (1) tongue images before and after treatment, captured using the ZMT-1A system; and (2) functional assessment using the Barthel Index. The main outcome measure is the change in tongue characteristics, specifically tongue body color, shape, coating color, and coating texture. Secondary outcomes include improvement in Barthel Index score and correlation between tongue features and functional recovery.

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee in Biomedical Research at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (Approval No. 2862/ĐHYD-HĐĐĐ, dated October 10, 2024). The findings of this study may support the clinical validity of tongue diagnosis and promote the use of image-based diagnostic systems in traditional medicine research and practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults of any age (no upper or lower age limit).
• Diagnosis of ischemic stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT or MRI).
• Currently in the early recovery phase, defined as 2 days to 3 months after stroke onset.
• Stable vital signs and deemed clinically suitable for rehabilitation and electroacupuncture.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow treatment instructions.
• Provides written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke or stroke of non-ischemic origin.
• Severe cognitive deficits or global aphasia that prevents participation or assessment.
• Serious comorbid conditions such as end-stage heart failure, malignancies, or renal failure.
• Presence of electronic implants (e.g., pacemakers) or other contraindications to electroacupuncture.
• Enrollment in another interventional clinical trial within the preceding 30 days.