ABSTRACT
Objective: To unveil the efficacy of Shaolin internal qigong exercise in treating capsulitis of the shoulder (CS) and explore objective outcome measures by observing the changes in the surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of shoulder muscle groups after regular practice of Shaolin internal qigong exercise in CS patients. Methods: Sixty CS patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the qigong group practiced Shaolin internal qigong exercise on a regular basis, while patients in the electroacupuncture (EA) group received EA treatment. Before and after treatment, the sEMG signals of six muscles, i.e. biceps brachii, triceps brachii, deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles, of the affected side were recorded at 45° abduction of the shoulder, 60° forward flexion and 90° internal rotation with the elbow flexed during maximal isometric contraction, and the integrated electromyography (iEMG) of each muscle was calculated. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3％ in the qigong group, higher than 83.3％ in the EA group (P<0.05). Intra-group comparison showed that the iEMG of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles in the qigong group increased significantly after intervention at 45° abduction of the shoulder, 60° forward flexion and 90° internal rotation with the elbow flexed (all P<0.05), and the iEMG of trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles decreased (both P<0.05); in the EA group, the iEMG of biceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles increased significantly during contraction (all P<0.05), while the iEMG of triceps brachii, trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles had no significant changes (all P>0.05). After intervention, there were significant differences in the iEMG of most of muscles between the two groups (all P<0.05), except for the iEMG of deltoid muscle at 45° of abduction of the shoulder joint during isometric contraction (P>0.05). Conclusion: Shaolin internal qigong exercise can effectively increase the motion intensity of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, pectoralis major and deltoid muscles and reduce the compensation of the latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles in CS patients; compared with EA, it produces a better result in improving the coordination and stability in shoulder joint movements.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy differences among electroacupuncture with penetration needling method, Jiaji electroacupuncture and Jing fukang granule for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) and to explore the best therapeutic method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixty patients with CSR were randomly divided into 3 groups. Sixty patients in electroacupuncture with penetration needling method group (group A) were treated by electroacupuncture with penetration needling method, and C4 Jiaji-to-C7 Jiaji, Jianwaishu (SI 14)-to-Quyuan (SI 13), Tianzong (SI 11)-to-Naoshu (SI 10), Shousanli (LI 10)-to-Xialian (LI 8) were selected, once a day. Sixty patients in Jiaji electroacupuncture group (group B) were treated by Jiaji electroacupuncture at C4 Jiaji-to-C7 Jiaji, once a day. Fourty patients in Jing fukang granule group (group C) were treated by oral administration of Jing fukang granule, 1 bag each time, twice each day. Six days as a course, the 3 groups were all treated for two courses. The simplified MPQ (SF-MPQ) scale which was internationally accepted was adopt to evaluate the improving situations in pain.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, pain rating idex (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS), present pain intensity (PPI) and the total pain score were significantly improved in the group A and B compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01), which was also improved in the group C (all P < 0.05). Compared with the group C, all the scores were significantly improved in the group A (all P < 0.01), the improvement of PRI, VAS, PPI and total pain score in the group B was superior to those in the group C (all P < 0.05), and all the improvements in the group A were superior to those in the group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture with penetration needling method can relive pain rapaidly in patients with CSR, which is superior to Jiaji electroacupuncture and Jing fukang granule in improving the comprehensive pain scores.</p>