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Research Article2023-06-30
Application of Biophysical Properties of Meridians in the Visualization of Pericardium Meridian
Feng Xiong1, Ruimin Xu2, Tongju Li3, Jinyu Wang1,4, Qingchuan Hu3, Xiaojing Song1, Guangjun Wang1, Huanhuan Su3, Shuyong Jia1, Shuyou Wang1, Zongxiang Zhu2,5, Weibo Zhang1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(3): 101-108 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.3.101AbstractBackground: The biophysical properties of the meridian system, an important concept of traditional Chinese medicine, include low impedance, resounding voice, and high acoustic conductance, all of which are helpful for elucidating the essence of meridians.Objectives: To visualize the human pericardium meridian (PC) based on the resounding voice property of meridians.Methods: Visualization of the PC was performed by injection of fluorescein sodium at the PC6 acupoint (Neiguan) on the PC. Before injection, percussion active points (PAPs) were identified by the virtue of their resounding voice properties. After injection, the trajectories of fluorescein migration throughout the body surface were recorded and analyzed. The distribution of fluorescein in the tissue was further studied using cross-sections of hind limbs of mini-pigs, in which fluorescein was injected into low impedance points.Results: The identified PAP lines were colocalized with PC. Following intradermal fluorescein injection, 1-3 fluorescent lines, which were unrelated to the arm veins, were observed in 7 of 10 participants; 85.4% of fluorescent signals were coincident with PAPs and their intensity had a negative correlation with the body mass index (r = –0.56, p = 0.045). Cross-sections showed a Y-shaped fluorescence pattern where the two migration lines on the surface were the two vertices of the “Y.”Conclusion: The trajectories of fluorescein in the body are suggestive of the anatomical structure of meridians. The PC is related to the deep horizontal interstitial channels that connect to the body surface through vertical interstitial spaces. These biophysical properties and techniques for meridian visualization are valuable for revealing the anatomical structure of meridians.
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Research Article2022-10-31
Electroacupuncture Promotes Motor Function Recovery in MCAO/R Rats by Activating Astrocyte-Related PI3K/AKT Pathway
Xiao-Qing Zhang1,2,*,†, Yi-He Wang1,2,†, Li Sun1, Bao-Qiang Dong1,2, Yue-Jiao Sui1,2, Jia-Zi Dong1,2, Yang Han1,2J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(5): 322-332 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.322AbstractBackground: Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine method to manage various diseases, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI).Objectives: We assessed the neuroprotective effects of EA and examined its mechanism in a rat model of the middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R). The gait analysis was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects. Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were carried out to determine the molecular mechanisms of EA.Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, right MCAO/R group, and EA group. EA was administered every day (4/20 Hz, 10 min/1 d) at the following acupoints: Baihui (DU20), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Zusanli (ST36). Gait and motor function were analyzed from day 8 onward.Results: The plantar support and balance coordination of MCAO/R rats decreased, and the cellular structure of the ischemic penumbra was unclear. EA improved the gait dynamics of the rats, adjusted the cell structure, further activated astrocytes, and increased the expression and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/PKB or AKT).Conclusion: EA promoted astrocyte-related effects in the rat model. Our findings suggest that the neuroprotective mechanism of EA may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The intervention enhanced brain protection and improved motor functions.
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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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Research Article2023-06-30
Ziwuliuzhu Acupuncture Modulates Clock mRNA, Bmal1 mRNA and Melatonin in Insomnia Rats
Ao Huang1, Gefang Xiao2, Yiliu Chen1, Zuying Hu1, Pin-Hsuan Lee1, Yusen Huang1, Zifeng Zhuang1, Yuling Zhang1, Peng Qing2,*, Canghuan Zhao2,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(3): 109-118 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.3.109AbstractBackground: In clinics, Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture is widely considered an effective method of treating insomnia; however, there is currently limited information available regarding its possible mechanisms. Although the method of Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture possesses a unique rhythmic pattern.Objectives: In this study, we have creatively combined the traditional Chinese medicine of Ziwuliuzhu with a modern biological rhythm to investigate the internal mechanism of insomnia.Methods: Pathological tissue from the hypothalamus was analyzed using hematoxylin–eosin staining. The level of TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α in the SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) area of the hypothalamus was detected in situ using the TUNEL fluorescence staining assay. The concentration of hypothalamic melatonin was detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of Clock and Bmal1 was measured using RT-qPCR.Results: In the Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture groups, the structural damage in the hypothalamic neurons was alleviated compared to the model group and the expression of inflammatory factors was reduced. The mRNA expression levels of Clock and Bmal1 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The concentration of melatonin was significantly increased (p < 0.001). Although there were no significant differences between the treatment groups (diazepam group, Nazi group, Najia group, and routine group) (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture alleviated neuronal damage and modulated the inflammatory reaction in the hypothalamus of rats with insomnia. Moreover, Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture increased the expression levels of Clock and Bmal1 mRNA, and MT content. This study has potentially highlighted one of the mechanisms through which Ziwuliuzhu acupuncture can be used to treat insomnia.
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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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Guideline and recommendation2023-06-30
ACURATE: a Guide for Reporting Sham Controls in Trials Using Acupuncture
Ye-Seul Lee1, Song-Yi Kim2, Hyangsook Lee3, Younbyoung Chae4, Myeong Soo Lee5,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(3): 119-126 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.3.119AbstractThis paper presents the Acupuncture Controls gUideline for Reporting humAn Trials and Experiments (ACURATE) checklist, an extension of The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT), which is to be used with STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) when real and sham acupuncture needles are used in a study. This checklist focuses on a clear depiction of sham needling procedures to enhance replicability and enable a precise appraisal. We encourage researchers to use ACURATE in trials and reviews involving sham acupuncture to assist in the reporting of sham acupuncture procedures and related components.
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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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Research Article2023-08-31
Response of Lipid Profile to Laser Acupuncture along with Diet and Pilates Exercise in Obese Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Ali Mohamed Ali Ismail1,*, Ahmad Elsayed Saad2, Noha Ahmed Fouad Abd-Elrahman3, Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhalim Elfahl4J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(4): 152-158 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.4.152AbstractBackground: Obesity-induced dyslipidemia is one of the main factors contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Objectives: This research aimed to assess the effect of adding laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) to a Pilates exercise program (PEP) and low-calorie diet protocol (LCDP) on blood lipids among 60 obese women with SLE.Methods: Study participants were women aged between 23 and 49 years, randomly assigned to one of two groups, A or B, each comprising 30 women. In addition to adherence to the LCDP, both groups were supervised five times weekly during 50-minute PEP sessions. Group A also received LAT three times weekly, with each session lasting 2 minutes on selected acupoints. After the 12-week intervention, plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were assessed.Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the aforementioned lipids after the 12-week intervention. A comparison between the post-intervention values of the lipids in the groups revealed a significant improvement favoring group A (the group that received LAT).Conclusion: Adding a 12-week LAT regimen to PEP and LCDP significantly improved lipid profiles among 60 obese women with SLE.
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Research Article2023-08-31
Effect of Systemic and Auricular Acupuncture with a 2/100 Hz Frequency and Nogier Frequency in Fibromyalgia: a Randomized Clinical Trial, Pilot Study
Rosa Maria Moreira1, Rhaynara Coelho Rosário2, Érika Almeida Boggiss1, Rosana Aparecida de Lima1, Paula Aparecida Silva2, Karol Priscila da Silva1, Caroline Lima de Farias1, Vanessa de Queiroz dos Santos1, Josie Resende Torres da Silva3, Rodrigo Polaquini Simões2, Andréia Maria Silva Vilela Terra2, Adriana Teresa Silva Santos2,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(4): 139-151 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.4.139AbstractBackground: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic, generalized muscular pain, accompanied by sleep disturbances, fatigue and cardic autonomic dysfunction that will affect the quality of life. There is currently no gold standard treatment. There are limitations of studies with electroacupuncture in auricular acupuncture.Objectives: We evaluate the effects of systemic electroacupuncture (EA) with frequencies of 2/100 Hz associated of auricular acupuncture with a Nogier frequency (2.28, 4.56 and 9.12 Hz) for pain intensity, heart rate variability (HRV), and quality of life in fibromyalgia.Methods: Randomized clinical trial, a pilot study. Eighteen volunteers were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 9) and an experimental group (EG, n = 9). Six systemic EA sessions systemic and auricular were applied in the EG for 20 min, twice a week, for six weeks consecutive. The Numerical Pain Assessment Scale (NPRS), 2010 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (FDC 2010), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and analysis of HRV were the instruments used. The independent t-test compared to the groups was applied.Results: There was no statistically significant difference for the primary outcome for NPRS (p > 0.05). In the secondary outcome there was a significant difference in the total score and in some FIQ domains (p = 0.008) and some variables such as pain (p = 0.02) and anxiety (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference for the FDC 2010 and HRV variables (p > 0.05).Conclusion: 2/100 Hz systemic EA associated with the Nogier frequency positively influenced some quality of life variables; however, pain intensity, diagnostic criteria, and HRV variables did not change.
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Case Report2022-08-31
Treatment of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy with Acupuncture and Medical Herbs: Four Case Reports
Han Chae1, Yoona Oh2, Ji Won Choi2, Soo Kwang An1, Yeon Hak Kim2, Jun Hwan Lee4,5, Eunseok Kim2,3, Byung Ryul Lee2,3, Gi Young Yang2,3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(4): 264-272 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.264AbstractLumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) is a musculoskeletal disorder or pain syndrome that is generally linked to the compression or irritation of the nerve root. There is a growing interest in the development of efficient acupuncture-based treatments for LR comparable to western medicine. Structured traditional Korean medical treatments including intensified acupuncture stimulus on the EX-B2 point using the G-shaped posture modified from the sitting posture were applied to four LR patients, and the outcomes were evaluated based on objective clinical endpoints including a numeric rating scale (NRS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the manual muscle test (MMT), neurological symptoms, and plantar photography. Patients showed improvements in NRS, ODI, MMT, and neurological symptoms without adverse effects during hospitalization and follow-up visits. Moreover, we observed substantial dissolvement of hyperkeratinization and parchedness of the soles of the feet, which was not reported previously. These four cases demonstrate the clinical usefulness of traditional medicine and the diagnostic applicability of plantar photography. However, further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm our findings.
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Commentary2022-02-28
Achievements of PVS (Primo Vascular System) Research from a Historical Perspective
Hoon-Gi Kim*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(1): 50-60 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.1.50AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to compare the biological research carried out in North Korea with the modern outcomes in the same field, from a historical perspective. In the 1960s, the group led by Bong-Han Kim asserted the existence of a fundamental circulatory system in the human body. Their findings were introduced in five papers as well as in the newspaper Rodong Sinmun. The size of the group, the range of equipment, and their findings expanded gradually, and the final paper on blood cells would be only published one of over sixty papers reported at that time. In the five papers, some unclear and inconsistent contents were found. Meanwhile, in the 2000s, PVS (primo vascular system) researchers have published over one hundred papers to prove the existence of this novel system. Some trends have emerged in approximately sixty papers as follows: The research on the identification of the anatomical and histological characteristics has gradually expanded to encompass the system’s own functioning. Also, new visual results (e.g. before and after dyeing, and its comparison with blood clots) and the exploration of possible medical applications (e.g. cancer metastasis channels or stem cells location) have been proposed. However, it is difficult to identify papers which comprehensively represented the elements claimed by Bong-Han Kim’s group. In addition, papers have been published more in alternative or Oriental medicine journals than in Western biomedical journals. It seems necessary to report more existence of the system in one laboratory animal and in more influential journals.
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Review Article2022-02-28
The Cellular Architecture of the Primo Vascular System
Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(1): 4-11 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.1.4AbstractThe primo vascular system (PVS) is of great interest to scientists in the last few years. The PVS plays a role in stem cell migration, immune function, erythropoiesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis. Discovered by Bong Han Kim in 1960, the PVS was described as a new, independent system that is distributed in the body of different animals. Since then, several cells have been discovered as important constituents of the PVS. Endothelial cells are hallmarks for the identification of the PVS, as they line the sinuses of the primo vessels and are characterized by their arrangement of rod-shaped nuclei in a parallel, broken-line fashion along the primo vessels. Immune cells as mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes are also hallmarks for the identification of the PVS. One of the most interesting cells in the PVS are p-microcells. Primo nodes are a stem cell niche due to their p-microcells content, which express stem cell biomarkers CD133 and Oct 4. Mature erythrocytes and hematopoietic stem cells have also been observed in the PVS. Hematopoietic stem cells were observed in the PVS. Hematopoietic Stem Cells are the source of the cellular component of blood. Additionally, adrenaline and noradrenaline-producing cells, mesothelial cells, and smooth-muscle-like cells have also been described in the PVS.
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Research Article2022-04-30
Perioperative Analgesic Efficacy of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture for Canine Mastectomy Combined with Ovariohysterectomy: a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Carolina de Carvalho Bacarin, Gabriel Montoro Nicácio, Letícia Maria de Lima Cerazo, Luíza Guimarães Peruchi, Renata Navarro Cassu*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(2): 121-129 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.2.121AbstractBackground: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) is a therapy based on the stimulation of points on the scalp and applied to treat different states of pain.Objectives: To investigate the analgesic efficacy of YNSA for dogs undergoing radical unilateral mastectomy with ovariohysterectomy.Methods: Twenty-four dogs were randomly distributed into two treatments (n = 12, per group): bilateral stimulation of basic B, D, and E points (YNSA group) and no application of acupuncture (control group). All dogs were sedated with morphine; anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Fentanyl was intraoperatively administered to control cardiovascular responses to surgical stimulation. Postoperative pain was assessed using an interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) and the short-form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (CMPS-SF). Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Friedman test (p < 0.05).Results: Intraoperatively, the number of dogs requiring supplemental analgesic and the number of doses of fentanyl were lower in the YNSA group than in the control group (p = 0.027-0.034). The IVAS pain scores recorded from 0.5 h to 1 h post-extubation in the YNSA group were lower than those in the control group (p = 0.021-0.023). Postoperative rescue analgesia and CMPS-SF pain scores did not differ between the groups.Conclusion: YNSA decreases intraoperative fentanyl requirements and provides minimal postoperative analgesic benefits to dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy with ovariohysterectomy.
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Research Article2022-04-30
Link Between Electroacupuncture Stimulation near the Sympathetic Trunk and Heart Rate Variability
Kazufumi Takahashi2,3,*, Xiaoming Wang2,3, Daiyu Shinohara1, Kenji Imai2,3J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(2): 114-120 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.2.114AbstractBackground: The cardiovascular system and airway smooth muscles are regulated by the autonomic nervous system.Objectives: This study investigated the effect of electrical acupuncture stimulation near the cervical sympathetic ganglia on heart rate variability and respiratory function.Methods: This prospective, single-center study at Teikyo Heisei University recruited 24 healthy adults randomly assigned to no-stimulation and electroacupuncture (EA) groups in a crossover trial with a 2-week washout period. After 5 min of rest, a 5-min rest or acupuncture stimulus was delivered, followed by a further 5 min of rest for both groups. EA, at 2-Hz (level of no pain), was delivered near the left cervical ganglia at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra in the EA group.Results: The high-frequency component of the heart rate variability was significantly higher in the EA group than that in the no-stimulation group. Further, there was a significant increase in the high-frequency component of the heart rate in the EA group during the stimulation compared to before and after stimulation. Heart rate decreased significantly during EA compared to before stimulation in the EA group. Regarding respiratory function, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and peak flow significantly increased in the EA group compared with the no-stimulation group, and after stimulation compared with before stimulation.Conclusion: Stimulation with 2-Hz EA near the cervical sympathetic trunk increased parasympathetic nerve activity and reduced heart rate. However, the respiratory function was activated via increased sympathetic nerve activity. Therefore, 2-Hz EA may be effective for autonomic nerve regulation in bronchial stenosis.
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Research Article2022-12-31
Comparison of the Effects of Myofascial Meridian Stretching Exercises and Acupuncture in Patients with Low Back Pain
Dilek Eker Büyükşireci1,*, Nesrin Demirsoy1, Setenay Mit2, Ersel Geçioğlu2, İlknur Onurlu1, Zafer Günendi1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(6): 347-355 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.6.347AbstractBackground: Acupuncture and myofascial meridians show great anatomical and clinical compatibility.Objectives: We aimed to compare the effects of myofascial meridian stretching exercises and acupuncture in patients with low back pain.Methods: We randomized 81 subjects with acute/subacute low back pain into three groups: an acupuncture (A) group, a myofascial meridian stretching (MMS) group, and a control (C) group. We recorded the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Roland- Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) scores at baseline and weeks two and six. We evaluated posterior pelvic tilt and transversus abdominis muscle strenghth with a pressure biofeedback unit, back extensor muscle strength by the Sorenson test, and lumbar range of motion (ROM) with an inclinometer. Group A received acupuncture (BL 57 and BL 62 acupoints) and stretching exercises according to the posterior superficial line were applied to the MMS group.Results: Improvements in the NRS score were more prominent in group A than in group C (p = 0.004). The RMQ score improvement between baseline and weeks two and six was more prominent in groups A and MMS (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The Sorenson test showed significant improvement between the baseline and week two in groups A and MMS (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in lumbar ROM measurement in the MMS group between baseline and week two was significantly higher than in groups A and C (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Stretching exercises according to the myofascial meridian system and acupuncture contributed to improved symptoms in the first two weeks in patients with acute/subacute low-back pain.
