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Research Article2023-12-31
Laser Diode – GaAlAs Acupuncture in the Treatment of Central Obesity: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Mohammadreza Razzaghi1,*, Zahra Akbari1,*, Soheila Mokmeli2, Zahra Razzaghi1, Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani3, Maryam Afzalimehr1, Ehsan Kamani1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(6): 255-262 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.255AbstractBackground: Obesity is a global health challenge. Traditional approaches, including increased physical activity, dietary interventions, and medical therapy, often yield limited success, propelling some patients toward costly and invasive procedures like bariatric surgery. Laser acupuncture has been suggested as a complementary therapeutic approach to overcome this challenge. The present study investigated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture treatment in weight loss and abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. Methods: A randomized, blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted, with 30 subjects each in the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group underwent 12 sessions of laser acupuncture treatment within a month (three sessions/week), whereas those in the control group received sham laser treatment on identical acupoints. The patients were instructed not to alter their physical activity levels or dietary regimens. All parameters were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results: Significant reductions in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were noted in both intervention and control groups. Further analysis revealed a more significant decrease in the laser acupuncture group. Abdominal sonography revealed a marked decrease in periumbilical fat thickness in the intervention group. Conversely, laboratory evaluations showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Laser acupuncture is an effective method for weight loss in patients with periumbilical abdominal fat. The observed impact on subcutaneous fat suggests its potential as a non-invasive intervention for individuals seeking weight management alternatives. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of laser acupuncture in adipose tissue modulation.
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Research Article2024-06-30
Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology
Manoela Gallon Pitta1, Kelly Zhang1, Gustavo Henrique de Mello Rosa1, Flávia Belavenuto Rangon1, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro1, Marcelo Lourenço da Silva2, João Eduardo de Araujo1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(3): 86-93 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.86AbstractImportance: Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues.Objective: This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points.Methods: In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001.Results: TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls.Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.
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Research Article2024-02-29
Characteristics of the New Mast Cell-Rich Nodal Structure in the Rat Skin Surface
Kiho Lee1,2,*, JoonYoung Shin1, Eunhae Cha3, Sungchul Kim1,3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 12-22 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.12AbstractBackground: Acupuncture, practiced for millennia, lacks a clear anatomical definition for acupoints. A prevailing theory suggests that acupoints overlap with skin areas with higher mast cell density. Skin spots stained with intravenously infused Evans blue (EB), indicative of neurogenic inflammation, have recently been posited as acupoints in rats. Objectives: To demonstrate the concordance between EB-reactive skin spots and mast cell–enriched acupoints. Methods: We employed staining and RNA-seq analysis to delineate the morphological characteristics and gene expression profiles of EB-reactive skin spots in rats. Results: EB infusion revealed a novel nodal structure on the rat skin surface, visible to the naked eye, with dimensions of approximately 1 mm in both diameter and height. Around 30 such nodes were identified on one side of the abdominal area, spaced roughly 3 mm apart, excluding the linea alba. RNA-seq analysis indicated that the gene expression patterns within these nodes markedly differed from both non-nodal skin areas and lymph nodes. Histological examination using toluidine blue revealed a significantly greater mast cell count in the nodes than in non-nodal skin regions. Additionally, the nodes stained positively with Alcian blue and Hemacolor, reagents known to mark primo vascular tissues. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that EB-reactive nodes are indeed rich in mast cells. Further research is warranted to establish these skin nodes as surface primo nodes.
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Perspective Article2024-06-30
The Body as an Electronic Scheme
Oksana Strakhova*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(3): 83-85 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.83AbstractThere is no clear evidence that acupuncture points and meridians are separate organs or specific tissues. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, the mechanism of acupuncture action is associated with the vital energy concept. To identify the body’s energy source and the material basis of its transmission, transformation, and use, it is necessary to consider it as an energy-generating object, with all its components. By abstracting from the body’s usual structural view, we found that it is an autonomous energy-generating object. The human body generates energy through the lungs and digestive tract, which are electrochemical generator organs. Because the generated energy must be transferred to the consumer, the body has wire and transformer analogs. It bears an obvious resemblance with an electronic circuit, where cellular structures, tissues, and their combinations act as electrical and radioelements. The heart, brain, and muscles, which have well-known electrical parameters, as well as acupuncture points, offer information about the state of these electronic circuits. This article describes an extra-organ approach for systematizing body structures. It also attempts to represent the meridians and acupuncture points system as integral electro-radioelements, as well as the local circuit components of the whole body’s electronic scheme.
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Research Article2023-06-30
Acupuncture in the Anesthetic Recovery of Bitches Submitted to Ovariohysterectomy
Amanda Caroline Gomes Graboschii1,*, Carolina Carvalho dos Santos Lira1, Jackellyne Laís Ferreira Lins2, Marcia Kikuyo Notomi3, Pierre Barnabé Escodro1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(3): 95-100 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.3.95AbstractBackground: Cardiorespiratory depression caused by anesthesia decreases the quality and increases the time of postoperative recovery. The acupoint Governor Vessel 26 (GV26) is a resuscitation point that can reverse this depression and can be safely used without side effects.Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the stimulation and anesthetic recovery time of GV26 in bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OH) under dissociative anesthesia.Methods: As pre-anesthetic protocol, acepromazine 0.2% (0.1 mg/kg) and tramadol hydrochloride (2 mg/kg) was used, and induction was performed using midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). For the control group, standard procedure was performed for OH, with anesthetic recovery and post-surgical procedures. For the acupuncture group (AP), the stimulation of acupoint GV26 was performed 20 minutes after the anesthetic induction and maintained for 5 minutes. Respiratory rate, amplitude (superficial, normal or deep), type of respiratory movement (abdominal, abdominocostal or thoracoabdominal), heart rate, capillary filling time, temperature, presence or absence of laryngotracheal reflex, presence or absence of interdigital reflexes were assessed immediately before PAM application, and 2 (T1), 5 (T2), 10 (T3), 15 (T4), 20 (T5), 25 (T6) and 30 (T7) minutes after treatment. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed.Results: When comparing the AP group with the control group, an improvement in amplitude of the chest cage was observed at all times, where the animals remained in normal or deep respiratory amplitude. The heart rate was significantly higher for the AP group (155.5 ± 34.4 bpm) than the control group at T1 (105.1 ± 15.4 bpm), while recovery time was lower for the AP group (54.1 ± 14.9 min) when compared to control group (79.9 ± 17.9 min).Conclusion: The present paper demonstrated the efficacy of GV26 in maintaining adequate respiratory amplitude and decreasing the anesthetic recovery time.
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Clinical Study Protocol2024-08-31
Effect of Dry Needling Plus Static Stretching on Plantar Flexors Spasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients
Mahdi Esmaeeli1, Nastaran Ghotbi1,*, Kazem Malmir1, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari1,2, Pablo Herrero3, Shohreh Jalaei1, Elham Loni4, Sajede Mazidi1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 141-148 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.141AbstractImportance: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is often accompanied by complications such as spasticity. Static stretching (SS) is a common physiotherapy intervention for reducing spasticity, whereas dry needling (DN) is a novel approach. However, the combined effects of DN and SS on spasticity have not been thoroughly investigated. Given the pivotal effect of spasticity on daily activities, mitigating spasticity can significantly contribute to restoring patient independence.Objective: This study will explore the impact of DN plus SS on spasticity, alpha motor neuron excitability, overall function, and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke.Design, Setting, and Population: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial will be conducted in patients with post-stroke spasticity in the plantar flexor muscles. Twentyeight participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) plus SS (20 min × 5 days/ week; 1 week). The control group will undergo sham DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) and SS (20 min × 5 days/week; 1 week).Exposures: DN plus SS or sham DN plus SS.Main Outcomes and Measures: Both groups will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and after 1 week of follow-up. Outcome measures will include the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, H-reflex latency, Hmax/Mmax ratio, active and passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, timed up and go test, and the EuroQol questionnaire.Results: Results from this randomized, sham-controlled study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of DN in combination with SS for spasticity.Conclusions and Relevance: The additional impact of DN in conjunction with SS, a widely used method for reducing muscle tone, remains unclear and warrants investigation. This study, with a high level of evidence, aims to address this knowledge gap.
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Research Article2024-04-30
Efficacy of Acupuncture on Pain Severity and Frequency of Calf Cramps in Dialysis Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Leila Sadat Mohamadi Jahromi1, Maryam Vejdanpak2, Rezvan Ghaderpanah3, Seyed Hassan Sadrian3, Alireza Dabbaghmanesh4, Sharareh Roshanzamir5,*, Mohammadhossein Dabbaghmanesh6J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(2): 47-54 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.2.47AbstractBackground: Patients with chronic kidney disease, as a common disorder, usually necessitate the implementation of hemodialysis. Muscle cramps are one of the most disabling complications affecting their quality of life.Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture as a safe alternative to the management of pain severity and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients compared to a control group.Methods: Fifty dialysis patients experiencing calf cramps who met the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A received routine management, including analgesic consumption, stretching exercises, and nine acupuncture sessions, including acupoints BL57, GV26, CV4, CV6, LV3, KI 1, LU7, LU9, and GB34. Group B underwent sham acupuncture therapy at locations other than the primary acupoints in addition to following the specified routine management. The pain severity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the daily frequency of calf cramps was evaluated at baseline and one month after treatment completion.Results: VAS scores and the frequency of calf cramps were improved one month after treatment completion in both groups. However, the improvement was significant in group A (p < 0.001), while it was not statistically significant in group B (p > 0.05). There was also a significant difference between both groups regarding reducing pain and the frequency of calf cramps, which showed the efficacy of acupuncture compared to the control group (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Acupuncture can decrease pain and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients.
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Research Article2024-02-29
Effects of Tumor Microenvironment on the Primo Vascular Pattern in the Mouse Model of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Amir Atashi1, Mohammad Kamalabadi-Farahani2,*, Nariman Rezaei Kolarijani3J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 23-27 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.23AbstractBackground: Tumor survival, promotion, and metastatic functions are regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME). The primo vascular system (PVS), the third circulatory system in animals, is currently thought to be a highly effective pathway for the spread of cancer cells.Objectives: In the present study, we intend to determine the TME effects on the PVS pattern in breast cancer for the first time. Methods: Heterotopic and orthotopic metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mice models were created. After 35 days, the skin was retracted, and a 2 cm skin incision was made up and down from the surface of the tumor tissue. In preparation for PVS staining, the dyes (trypan blue and alamarBlue) were injected throughout the tumor tissues. Under a stereomicroscope, PVS in heterotopic and orthotopic tumors was seen. Results: According to our data, there are no appreciable variations in PVS patterns and density between heterotopic and orthotopic animal models. Furthermore, alamarBlue is a good option for tumor PVS staining, as demonstrated by our research. Conclusion: For the first time, our data gave significant new information about the PVS in TNBC. Creating new anti-cancer treatments may be made possible by a better understanding of the biological characteristics of the TME and PVS.
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Perspective Article2024-08-31
A Perspective on the Identity of the Acupoint
Bong Hyo Lee*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 111-115 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.111AbstractRecently, several previously undiscussed concerns in acupuncture research have been brought to light. Among these, the core issue stems from the ambiguity surrounding the identity of acupoints. Hence, the question “What is the identity of acupoints?” remains of particular importance in acupuncture research. To answer this question, we reviewed the original concept of acupoints explained in Oriental medicine, from which acupuncture treatment originated, and examined scientific research on acupuncture and acupoints. We then proposed a perspective on the identity of acupoints and speculated about a possible reason for their elusive nature: qi, which congregates at and flows in and out of acupoints, might be bioelectricity, making these points inherently difficult to measure anatomically or histologically. Consequently, acupoints are suggested to be spaces where bioelectricity congregates, thus inevitably exhibiting electrical characteristics.
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Clinical Study Protocol2024-06-30
The Effect of Ankle Muscles Dry Needling on Brain Activity Map Based on fMRI: a Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial
Roshanak Honarpishe1, Soofia Naghdi1,*, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari1,2, Jan Dommerholt3, Marzieh Hassanabadi4J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(3): 94-99 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.94AbstractImportance: Neuromodulation may be one of the underlying mechanisms of dry needling (DN); however, the mechanism has not yet been fully clarified.Objective: This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate DN stimulation of the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles in chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy subjects, employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Design: Clinical study protocol, SPIRIT compliant.Setting: Brain Mapping Laboratory.Population: A total of thirty participants aged between 18 and 40 years old will be included in this study. Twenty healthy participants will be randomized into 2 groups (real DN and sham DN). Ten patients with CAI will also be recruited to the third group and receive only real DN for comparison.Exposures: Real and sham DN.Main Outcomes and Measures: The voxel count, coordinates of peak activation, and peak intensity will be obtained as primary outcomes to report brain map activation. Measurements will be taken before, during, and after DN treatment. The strength of the ankle dorsiflexors, active dorsiflexion range of motion, and McGill pain questionnaire short-form will be used as secondary outcome measures.Results: The results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated as presentations at national and international congresses.Conclusion: This trial will explore brain responses to real and sham DN in healthy participants and to real DN in CAI patients. Overall, our results will provide preliminary evidence of the neural mechanism of DN.
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Review Article2023-10-31
Anatomical and Clinical Characteristics of Scalp Acupuncture Systems: a Scoping Review and Synthesis
Svetlana Wise1,*, Ava Lorenc2J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(5): 159-175 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.5.159AbstractScalp acupuncture is a therapeutic procedure that involves inserting needles into the scalp to treat various medical conditions, including pain and neurological and psychological disorders. The inter-system variability of scalp acupuncture limits secondary analysis and evidence synthesis, delaying its inclusion into evidence-based healthcare policies and establishment as a treatment intervention recognized by Western medicine. This scoping review aimed to identify the range of scalp acupuncture systems, systematically collect and summarize information on their general, anatomical, and clinical characteristics, and build a framework for understanding scalp acupuncture systems. This review included all English-language publications on scalp acupuncture applied to treat any health condition in humans. Extensive searches were conducted across bibliographic databases, journals, trial registries, and supplementary sources. The detailed general, anatomical, and clinical application characteristics of 19 scalp acupuncture systems were extracted. Data were collected and analyzed using charting and image manipulation software. Framework synthesis was performed using the Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature Scalp Acupuncture as an a priori framework. The review revealed that the heterogeneity related to scalp acupuncture methods can be attributed to the high variability among the theoretical bases of different systems, intersystem mismatch in anatomical locations of treatment points and areas on the scalp, and inconsistencies in the methods used for locating them. These discrepancies in anatomical and clinical features have limited the synthesis and development of a framework for scalp acupuncture. Discussion and agreement on the anatomical locations of scalp stimulation areas, identification of methods for precise positioning of acupuncture areas on the scalp, and further exploration of theoretical bases will aid in the standardization of scalp acupuncture and improve the quality of research in this area.
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Research Article2023-08-31
Effect of Acupressure on Pain during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Injection in Children Aged 5-10 Years Old - An Experimental Study
Ayushi Shashikant Gurharikar, Devendra Nagpal*, Prabhat Singh Yadav, Purva Chaudhari, Kavita Hotwani, Gagandeep LambaJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(4): 127-132 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.4.127AbstractBackground: Acupressure, which is related to acupuncture, is a noninvasive therapy suitable for use in children. However, data examining acupressure’s effects on the pain of local anesthetic injection in children are sparse.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate acupressure’s effects on the pain of local anesthetic injection in children.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical study included 37 5- to 10-year-olds who had an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for a mandibular extraction and were randomized to one of two groups: acupressure (study group) or non-acupressure (control group). The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS) and the Sound, Eye, Motor (SEM) scale were utilized for subjective and objective pain assessment during injection.Results: The objective and subjective assessment of pain during injection significantly differed between the groups, with the acupressure group displaying lower scores.Conclusion: Acupressure at the extra one point (EX-HN1) reduced pain during IANB injection in 5- to 10-year-olds and can be used as an adjunct to conventional measures like topical anesthesia to reduce pain.
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Research Article2023-08-31
Investigation of the Effects of Acupuncture on Post-Operative Chest Pain after Open Heart Surgery
Sharareh Roshanzamir1, Yas Haririan1, Rezvan Ghaderpanah2, Leila Sadat Mohamadi Jahromi1,*, Alireza Dabbaghmanesh3J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(4): 133-138 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.4.133AbstractBackground: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) accounts for more than half of all adult cardiac surgeries worldwide. Post-operative chest pain is a common CABG complication and can cause significant discomfort.Objectives: Because taking large amounts of analgesics can have many side effects, we evaluated whether acupuncture effectively reduces pain and the use of analgesics by CABG patients.Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 patients who had recently undergone CABG were randomly allocated to two groups. For both groups, exercise therapy and routine analgesics were recommended. The intervention group underwent bilateral acupuncture in distinct acupoints, including the HT3, HT4, HT5, HT6, HT7, PC3, PC5, PC6, and PC7 for 10 daily sessions constantly. Visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic use were evaluated in both groups at baseline and after completing the 10-day treatment.Results: Our analysis revealed significant decreases in the mean VAS scores in both the intervention and the control group, and that the reduction was more significant in the acupuncture group (p < 0.001). Moreover, analgesic use was significantly lower in the acupuncture group when compared with the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings highlight acupuncture as an alternative method of controlling CABG-associated post-operative chest pain and reducing the use of analgesics, which might have many side effects.
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Clinical Study Protocol2023-10-31
Dry Needling for Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition of Quadriceps Femoris in Patients after Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament: a Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Milad Zarrin1,2, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari1,3,*, Soofia Naghdi1, Scott Hasson4, Bijan Forogh5, Mehdi Rezaee6J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(5): 193-202 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.5.193AbstractBackground: Dry needling (DN) is recommended as a therapeutic modality for various neuromusculoskeletal disorders. No study has been performed on the impact of DN on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study protocol is aimed to investigate the impacts of DN on AMI of quadriceps femoris, corticomotor, and spinal reflex excitability in patients with ACLR. Methods: A double-blind, between-subject, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted to measure changes in AMI after DN. Twenty-four subjects with ACLR will be recruited to receive a DN or a sham DN, providing that they met the inclusion criteria. Three sessions of DN on the quadriceps femoris will be applied during a one-week period. The primary outcome measures are the active motor threshold, motor evoked potential, and Hmax – Mmax ratio. The secondary outcomes are the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form questionnaire score and maximum quadriceps isometric torque. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the first session, after the third session, and at the one-month follow-up visit. Discussion: The results of this study will provide preliminary evidence regarding the effects of DN on AMI of quadriceps femoris in patients with ACLR.
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Clinical Study Protocol2023-04-30
Effectiveness of Pharmacopuncture Therapy in Adhesive Capsulitis: a Study Protocol for a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Hui Yan Zhao1,2,†, Chang-Hyun Han1,2,†, Changsop Yang2, Yoon Jae Lee3, In-Hyuk Ha3, Kyoung Sun Park4,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(2): 70-78 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.2.70AbstractBackground: Adhesive capsulitis is a progressive, idiopathic disorder that significantly impacts individuals̓ daily lives and increases their medical burden. Pharmacopuncture therapy, which combines acupuncture techniques with herbal medicine, involves injecting herbal extracts into specific acupoints. This study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture therapy in comparison to physiotherapy (PT) for treating adhesive capsulitis.Methods: This research protocol outlines a two-arm, parallel, multi-center, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Fifty participants will be randomly allocated to either the pharmacopuncture therapy or PT group, and they will receive 12 sessions of their respective therapies over a 6-week period. The primary outcome measure is the numeric rating scale for shoulder pain. Secondary outcomes include the visual analog scale score for shoulder pain, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Patients̓ Global Impression of Change score, Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2 score, and EuroQol-5 Dimension. Statistical analysis will be conducted based on the intention-to-treat principle.Discussion: This trial may offer high-quality and reliable clinical evidence for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture therapy compared to PT in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. Furthermore, this study will serve as a valuable guideline for practitioners when making clinical decisions and managing adhesive capsulitis.
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Research Article2024-02-29
Effect of Single Acupuncture Point (Liver 7) on Pain and Range of Motion on Osteoarthritis of Knee
M. Periyachishreepriya1, P. Kumaresan2,*, A. Naveena3, P. Prabu2, M. Sendhilkumar4J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 38-43 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.38AbstractBackground: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that strongly affects the elderly population and decreases their quality of life. Pain, stiffness, and restricted knee movements are the major characteristic features of OAK. There are no studies available on the effect of the liver 7 (LR 7) acupuncture point on pain and range of motion. Objectives: To study the effectiveness of the LR 7 acupuncture point on pain and range of motion in chronic OAK patients. Methods: Thirty-five subjects aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited from Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College, Chennai. Participants were included in the study after they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The duration of acupuncture was 20 minutes (5 days/week) for 2 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the degree of knee flexion and extension was measured using a goniometer. Results: Pre- and post-trial outcomes were compared using paired t-tests. LR 7 acupuncture reduced the WOMAC score from 49 to 30 (p < 0.001), indicating that pain was alleviated. Treatment increased the range of knee flexion from 110 to 115 degrees and reduced knee extension (p < 0.01) from 16 to 9 degrees (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that acupuncture treatment improved the range of knee movement. Conclusion: The present study showed that 10 sessions of LR 7 acupuncture for people with OAK significantly reduced pain and increased range of motion. We conclude that LR 7 acupuncture is an adjuvant therapy for alleviating pain and managing OAK.
