1. Comparison of the effects of electroacupuncture stimulation and other similar therapies on muscle blood flow.
- Author
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Oda, K., Kurose, S., Sawai, T., Seto, T., Nakata, H., Sato, S., and Otsuki, S.
- Abstract
[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to investigate the improvement in muscle blood flow due to acupuncture based on changes in the oxygen hemodynamics and muscle temperature. We also compared the effects of electroacupuncture with those of other therapies that are similar to other acupuncture. [Methods] The study population consisted of male college volleyball players. The subjects are divided into 4 groups: the electroacupuncture (EA) group: 30 subjects; acupuncture (ACU) group: 30 subjects; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) group: 30 subjects; and the control (CON) group: 20 subjects. In all groups treatment was performed on the left hamstring muscles of the subjects for 15 minutes. We measured the relevant parameters before and after stimulation, as well as 10 minutes later. [Results] The oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and total hemoglobin (total-Hb) levels increased after stimulation in the TENS, ACU and CON groups. The increase in the oxy-Hb level in the EA group was higher (P<0.05) than that in the TENS, ACU and CON groups (in descending order). The deep muscle temperature increased in all groups. These values were higher than those in the CON group (P<0.05). The surface skin temperature increased in the EA and TENS groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that EA us the most effective method of increasing muscle blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012