1
|
Pujalte GGA, Malone M, Mandavalli A, Phrathep DD, Shah NP, Perlman AI. Acupuncture in Sports Medicine. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16:239-247. [PMID: 38115589 DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is gaining popularity and wider acceptance as a treatment modality within the field of sports medicine. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to acupuncture in sports medicine to shed light on approaches utilized in acupuncture while revealing its personalized nature and its impact on athletes' preparation, performance, and recovery. We evaluated acupuncture research in the context of medicine and sports-related injury treatment, assessing its impact on athletic performance across demographics of athletes. Athletes participating in most sports have shown positive outcomes from acupuncture interventions. Acupuncture improves peak oxygen levels, maximum heart rate, delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain, swelling, explosive force production, and joint mobility. Furthermore, the efficacy of acupuncture appears to be similar regardless of age and sex. Lastly, the acceptance of acupuncture is influenced by cultural factors, with Western and traditional East Asian cultures exhibiting distinct perspectives on its rationale and mechanisms of action. Traditional East Asian acupuncturists typically employ qi and meridian theories in their acupuncture practices, with the recent incorporation of Western concepts. Acupuncture shows promise as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain and neuropathies in athletes across different age groups and for addressing injuries in various sports. Our comprehensive review will enhance our understanding of acupuncture's potential as a complementary or distinct therapeutic approach compared to conventional therapies. Additionally, our review explores its specific applications within different sports and delves into the cultural dimensions involved in integrating this practice into modern sports medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George G A Pujalte
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Malone
- Department of Family Medicine, Tidelands Health Family Medicine, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
| | - Akhil Mandavalli
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Neil P Shah
- Family Medicine Residency Program, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Adam I Perlman
- Division of Integrative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang CT, Song B. Acupuncture and Dry Needling for Sports Performance and Recovery. Curr Sports Med Rep 2022; 21:213-218. [PMID: 35703748 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Acupuncture and dry needling share many similarities in their proposed mechanisms of action and their sports medicine-related applications. Pain is the most common indication for these needling treatments, but there also are some limited studies on their use for ergogenic purposes. Needling can likely improve muscular strength and power, including increasing jump height, and it also can increase flexibility. In terms of sports recovery, acupuncture can not only be used for pain relief after injury, but also can help with routine recovery, such as in delayed onset muscle soreness. There are numerous case reports of acupuncture and dry needling being used to treat athletes for various diagnoses and conditions, however more high quality studies are needed in order to make more specific evidence-based recommendations. Given the high degree of safety and limited adverse events associated with needling treatments, it can likely be promoted in athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Tsai Tang
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nakahara H, Ueda SY, Kawai E, Higashiura R, Miyamoto T. Effects of pre-exercise acupuncture stimulation on heart rate response during short-duration exercise. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:129. [PMID: 34656165 PMCID: PMC8520193 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of bradycardia induced by pre-exercise acupuncture on heart rate responses during short-duration exercise. Methods A total of 29 healthy subjects underwent two protocols: protocol 1 assessed the effects of manual acupuncture on heart rate response during rest, and protocol 2 tested the hypothesis that the bradycardic effects induced by pre-exercise acupuncture continue during low- and high-intensity exercise. Their average age, height, weight, and body mass index were 21.2 ± 2.0 years, 167.2 ± 8.8 cm, 63.8 ± 12.8 kg, and 22.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2, respectively. In acupuncture stimulations for protocols 1 and 2, an acupuncture needle was inserted into the lower leg and manual acupuncture stimulation was performed at 1 Hz. Results In protocol 1 (resting condition), acupuncture stimulation induced a bradycardic response, which continued for 4 min after the cessation of acupuncture stimulation (p < 0.05). In protocol 2, the bradycardic response induced by pre-exercise acupuncture stimulation remained during low-intensity exercise and in the beginning of high-intensity exercise performed immediately after the cessation of acupuncture stimulation (p < 0.05). However, the effects disappeared when post-acupuncture exercise was performed when the heart rate was approximately 140 beats/min during high-intensity exercise. The rating of perceived exertion after exercise differed significantly between the acupuncture stimulation task (7.9 ± 1.6) and no-stimulation task (8.5 ± 2.0) (p = 0.03) only in the low intensity group. Conclusion This study may provide new insights into the effect of acupuncture stimulation on psycho-physiological conditions during exercise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiro Nakahara
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, 1-26-16 Nankokita, Suminoe, Osaka City, Osaka, 559-8611, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ya Ueda
- Faculty of Education, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Eriko Kawai
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Laboratory for, Pathophysiological and Health Science, 6-7-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Rui Higashiura
- Osaka Kyoiku University Graduate School of Education, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka Kashiwara, Osaka, 582-8582, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Human Environment Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Osaka Sangyo University, Wellness 2008, 3-1-1, Nakagaito, Daito, Osaka, 573-1004, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Micalos PS, Pak SC, Jesulola E, Cannon J, Hale M, Koo BS. Does Acupuncture Enhance Muscle Strength and Performance? Strength Cond J 2021. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
5
|
Tsopanidou AΑ, Chatzakis PΕ, Drimalas PV, Stavridis IS, Dallas GC, Zacharogiannis EG. Effect of acupuncture in physiological parameters and endurance running performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:841-847. [PMID: 32253895 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the effect of acupuncture (AC) treatment in aerobic capacity and endurance performance in healthy adults. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of AC on selected physiological parameters and 3 km running performance. METHODS Twenty-four healthy subjects with low to moderate aerobic capacity participated in the study and randomly assigned in two groups: AC group (ACG - N.=14) and control group (CG - N.=10). The subjects completed an incremental test to exhaustion and a 3 km race on a treadmill to evaluate their physiological responses and endurance running performance respectively, prior and after 4 weeks (8 sessions, twice a week) of acupuncture treatment. RESULTS AC treatment had a significant main effect in T3km [F(1, 21)=7.173, P=0.014, partial η2=0.255], as well as in VT [F(1, 21)=8.476, P=0.008, partial η2=0.288] and HRmax@3km [F(1, 21)=4.930, P=0.038, partial η2=0.190], after controlling for the effect of the pre-test, while no other significant main effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS Healthy physically active adults significantly improved their endurance running performance after 4 weeks of AC treatment. This is mainly due to the enhancement of the speed corresponding with VT, comparing with their baseline values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Α Tsopanidou
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece -
| | - Prokopios Ε Chatzakis
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis S Stavridis
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - George C Dallas
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias G Zacharogiannis
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
ABSTRACT As acupuncture is growing in popularity in Brazil and worldwide, it is necessary to study the benefits and possibilities of this type of treatment more in depth, especially as it is believed to produce fast results with few side effects and does not involve substances banned in sports. Thus, it seems like a good option to be considered as main or adjuvant therapy in sports-related injuries. In order to gain more knowledge about this subject, this article is an integrative review analyzing the publications of the period between January 2012 and January 2017 on the Cochrane and Pubmed platforms that analyzed acupuncture in the treatment of sports injuries. We found 49 articles, 11 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria: two case reports, three clinical trials and six literature reviews. Although all the articles analyzed produced favorable results with the use of the therapeutic technique in question, flaws in the designs of the studies and the difficulty of creating a placebo control group in acupuncture hinder the qualification of the articles on evidence rating scales. Therefore, it is suggested to the researchers that further studies be published with experimental animal models and observational studies, and that STRICTA recommendations be followed to improve the level of evidence of acupuncture research. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review of level II studies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rizzo M, Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Longo F, Di Pietro S, Piccione G. Cortisol levels and leukocyte population values in transported and exercised horses after acupuncture needle stimulation. J Vet Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
8
|
Rizzo M, Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Longo F, Bruschetta D, Piccione G. Acupuncture Needle Stimulation on Some Physiological Parameters After Road Transport and Physical Exercise in Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
9
|
Urroz P, Colagiuri B, Smith CA, Yeung A, Cheema BS. Effect of acupuncture and instruction on physiological recovery from maximal exercise: a balanced-placebo controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:227. [PMID: 27430558 PMCID: PMC4949751 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture administered immediately following a graded exercise test (GXT) on physiological measures of recovery and determine if instruction (expectancy) affected the responses. Methods A balanced-placebo 2 × 2 factorial design was used with treatment (real vs placebo acupuncture) and instruction (told real vs told placebo acupuncture) as factors; a no-treatment control group was also included to compare the treatment responses to no treatment. Recreationally active, acupuncture naïve young adults (n = 60) performed a GXT to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer (15 W/min). Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, respiratory rate and blood lactate were collected during the test and during 60 min of supine recovery on a plinth. An experienced acupuncturist delivered real or placebo acupuncture within 6 min of completing the GXT (total treatment time = 20 min). Real acupuncture points included Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Lieque (LU7), and Tanzhang (REN17), while placebo acupuncture was delivered using the Park sham needle placed 1–2 cm away from each real acupuncture point. The control group received no intervention. Results Linear and quadratic trend analyses over time indicated no significant differences between groups on any dependent variable. However, analysis of specific timepoints (every 10 min of the 60 min recovery) revealed that participants who received some form of treatment had a lower heart rate than participants in the no treatment control group (p = 0.042) at 20 min post-exercise. Further, a significant treatment by instruction interaction effect for heart rate was also found at 50 min (p = 0.042) and 60 min (p = 0.013) post-exercise, indicating that the differences between real and placebo acupuncture were affected by expectancy manipulation. No other significant effects were noted. However, it was interesting to note that participants who believed they were given real acupuncture reported quicker perceived recovery independent of actual treatment (p = 0.006) suggesting that instruction about treatment influenced perceived recovery. Conclusion In summary, due to limited evidence, the current study does not support the acute use of acupuncture for exercise recovery. However, importantly, the current study demonstrates that a balanced-placebo design is viable for testing acupuncture and expectancy effects, and this methodology could therefore be implemented in future studies. Trial registration ACTRN12612001015831 (Date registered: 20/09/2012).
Collapse
|
10
|
Urroz P, Colagiuri B, Smith CA, Cheema BS. Effect of acute acupuncture treatment on exercise performance and postexercise recovery: a systematic review. J Altern Complement Med 2012; 19:9-16. [PMID: 22967279 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture applied proximally during a single bout of exercise can enhance exercise performance and/or expedite postexercise recovery. The purpose of this investigation was to review trials, systematically and critically, that have investigated such hypotheses and delineate areas for future research. METHOD A systematic review using computerized databases was performed. RESULTS Four trials were found: Three involved within-subjects designs and one used a parallel group design. Few participants were enrolled (n=10-20). Fourteen acupuncture sites were used across the four trials: DU 20, LI 15, LI 13, PC 6, ST 36, SP 6, PC 5, LU 7, LI 4, GB 37, GB 39, GB 34, and LI 11, and LR 3. PC 6, and ST 36 were the most commonly used sites. Three trials evaluated the effect of acupuncture on exercise performance. One of these trials noted that electroacupuncture stimulation of either PC 5 and PC 6 or LU 7 and LI4 significantly increased peak power output, blood pressure, and rate pressure product (RPP) versus control. However, two trials documented no effect of acupuncture on exercise performance using point combinations of either DU 20, LI 15, LI 13, PC 6, ST 36, and SP 6 or DU 20, ST 36, GB 34, LI 11, LR 3. One trial evaluated the effect of acupuncture on postexercise recovery and found that heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate were significantly reduced secondary to acupuncturing of PC 6 and ST 36 versus control and placebo conditions at 30 or 60 minutes postexercise. CONCLUSIONS There is preliminary support for the use of acupuncture as a means to enhance exercise performance and postexercise recovery, but many limitations exist within this body of literature. Adequately powered, RCTs with thorough and standardized reporting of research methods (e.g., acupuncture and exercise interventions) and results are required to determine more adequately the effect of acupuncture methods on exercise performance and postexercise recovery. Future investigations should involve appropriate placebo methods and blinding of both participants and investigators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Urroz
- School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Carvalho AO, Cabral L, Rubini E. Acupuncture Improves Flexibility: Acute Effect of Acupuncture Before a Static Stretch of Hip Adductors. Med Acupunct 2011. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2010.0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
12
|
Stimulation of acupoint ST-34 acutely improves gait performance in geriatric patients during rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011; 92:7-14. [PMID: 21187200 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether a specific regimen of acupoint stimulation improved gait performance in geriatric patients. DESIGN Multiple-blinded, randomized, controlled intervention trial. SETTING Geriatric ward rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS 60 geriatric patients during rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS Both groups received a 1-time acupoint stimulation according to randomization. Stimulation of a verum acupoint (verum treatment) according to principles of traditional Chinese medicine was compared with a technically identical needle application on a nonacupoint (control treatment) in the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive parameters were documented by valid, established tests. Gait performance was objectively measured by an electronic walkway before needling and after needling. RESULTS All gait parameters showed statistically significant improvement after verum treatment compared with control treatment (velocity, cadence, stride length, cycle time, step time, single support, double support: P values all <.05) except for the base of support (P=.163). Effect sizes achieved by 1-time stimulation of an acupoint were low and ranged from .08 to .24. No severe adverse clinical events related to the intervention occurred. CONCLUSIONS Study results showed that a 1-time administration of a specific acupoint stimulation regimen statistically significantly improved gait performance during geriatric ward rehabilitation. If sustainability of effects can be documented, acupuncture may prove to be an inexpensive intervention that may mildly improve motor performance in frail geriatric patients.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ahmedov S. Ergogenic Effect of Acupuncture in Sport and Exercise: A Brief Review. J Strength Cond Res 2010; 24:1421-7. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181d156b1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
14
|
|
15
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine acupuncture's effect on cycling performance. DESIGN This was a prospective, single-blind, patient as own control (repeated measures), crossover design. Subjects underwent 3 tests a week, riding a stationary bike for 20-km as fast as able. Before each test, they received acupuncture (test A), "sham" acupuncture (test B), and no intervention (control, test C) once each in a random order. SETTING University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. PARTICIPANTS 20 male cyclists (age, 18 to 30 years) were recruited via convenience sampling of students and general public. Athletic ability was assessed through a questionnaire and modified Par-Q. INTERVENTIONS Acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and no intervention in random order with each subject before each test. Acupuncture points were chosen on the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and administered immediately before cycling. Sham was shallow needling of known acupoints. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The outcome measures of each of the tests were time to completion, VAS for lower extremity/exercise-induced pain, Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentrations, recorded immediately following each test. RESULTS Mean times to Test A, B, and C completion were 36.19 +/- 5.23, 37.03 +/- 5.66, and 37.48 +/- 6.00 minutes, respectively, P = 0.76. Mean RPE scores after tests A, B, and C were 17.65 +/- 0.67, 16.95 +/- 0.99, and 16.85 +/- 0.88, respectively, P = 0.0088. Mean VAS scores after tests A, B, and C were 7.72 +/- 0.86, 7.94 +/- 0.78, and 8.08 +/- 0.69, respectively, P = 0.76. CONCLUSIONS The only statistically significant finding was that acupuncture gave higher RPE scores compared to the other tests. The clinical significance was that the higher RPE scores gave lower time and VAS scores.
Collapse
|
16
|
Banzer W, Hübscher M, Pfab F, Ziesing A, Vogt L. [Acute effects of needle acupuncture on power performance during stretch-shortening cycle]. Complement Med Res 2007; 14:81-5. [PMID: 17464158 DOI: 10.1159/000100466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have shown beneficial effects of needle acupuncture on physical performance. OBJECTIVE To evaluate immediate effects of a standardized acupuncture treatment on vertical jumping performance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 12 healthy sport students participated in the study. A randomized crossover design was used to investigate specific effects of real acupuncture, sham acupuncture and a no-acupuncture waiting list condition on myoelectric activity and kinematic parameters (duration of ground contact, maximum jumping height) in one-legged drop jumps. RESULTS The results of the present study do not demonstrate significant treatment effects on myoelectric and kinematic parameters. However, real acupuncture tends to result in a relative decrease in the duration of ground contact accompanied by increased muscular innervation. CONCLUSION Acupuncture treatment had no significant impact on muscular performance of lower leg in stretch-shortening cycle under the present conditions. As to further research, the potential efficacy of acupuncture for improving reactive strength should be investigated in terms of controlled trials with stratified randomization according to physical performance capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Banzer
- Abt. Sportmedizin, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt/M., Deutschland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Akimoto T, Nakahori C, Aizawa K, Kimura F, Fukubayashi T, Kono I. Acupuncture and responses of immunologic and endocrine markers during competition. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003; 35:1296-302. [PMID: 12900681 DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000078934.07213.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acupuncture is used to modulate the physical well-being of athletes in Asian countries. However, there is little information on the immediate effects of acupuncture treatment on physiological or psychological responses to exercise. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment on the physical well-being of elite female soccer players during a competition period. METHODS Subjects were divided into two groups: those who received acupuncture treatment (18.1 +/- 2.3 yr [+/-SD], N = 9) and a control group (17.7 +/- 2.8 yr, N = 12). In the treatment group, acupuncture stimulus was applied at LI 4 (Goukoku), ST 36 (Ashi-sanri) for 20 min, and ST 6 (Kyosya), LU 6 (Ko-sai) points for 15 min 4 h after the game every night during the competition period. The measured parameters included salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level, cortisol level in saliva, subjective rating of physical well-being, and profile of mood states (POMS). RESULTS The following were the main results: 1). Exercise-induced decrease of salivary SIgA and increase of salivary cortisol were inhibited by acupuncture. 2). Acupuncture improved subjective rating of muscle tension and fatigue. 3). The POMS score was modulated by acupuncture. CONCLUSION These results support the effectiveness of acupuncture for physical and mental well-being of athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Akimoto
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee SH, Chung SH, Lee JS, Kim SS, Shin HD, Lim BV, Jang MH, Kim H, Kim EH, Kim CJ. Effects of acupuncture on the 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis and tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the dorsal raphe of exercised rats. Neurosci Lett 2002; 332:17-20. [PMID: 12377374 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00900-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of acupuncture on the endurance treadmill exercise, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesis, and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expression in the dorsal raphe nuclei were investigated. Acupunctural stimulation were bilaterally inserted into the locus of Zusanli in each hind leg for 20 min. Onset of exhaustion time on the treadmill running was increased significantly by acupunctural stimulation and exercise-induced increments of the 5-HT synthesis and TPH expression in the dorsal raphe were suppressed by acupunctural stimulation. Based on the results, it can be suggested that the suppressive effects of acupunctural stimulation on the 5-HT synthesis and TPH expression in the dorsal raphe during exercise is one of ergogenic mechanisms of acupuncture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hak Lee
- Department of Oriental Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|