ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to clarify the change in symptoms, behavior, and feeling with acupuncture and the relationship between the changes and physical activity level in middle-aged and elderly people with musculoskeletal pain.<br> The Subjects were 55 (26 males and 29 females, aged 65.0±12.2 years) middle-aged and elderly people with musculoskeletal pain who have been treated with acupuncture. We investigated the change in their symptoms, behavior, and feeling (symptoms, frequency of other treatments, exercise, frequency of going out and taking trips, general feeling, confidence in physical fitness, and coping with the prospects for the symptoms) with acupuncture using an unsigned self-administered question naire. In addition, the health-related quality-of-life was evaluated with SF-8 and the physical activity level was assessed with the Short Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.<br> The subjects mostly recognized that their symptoms, behavior, and feeling had a tendency to improve or remain unchanged with acupuncture. Evaluation of the relationship between the changes with acupuncture and walking physical activity showed that the subjects who felt their frequency of exercise or of going out or taking trips tended to increase with acupuncture treatment showed a significantly higher physical activity level than those who stated there was no change or a decreasing tendency (p<0.05). Similarly, the subjects whose assessment for the general feeling or coping with the prospects for symptoms was a tendency to irnprove with acupuncture showed a significantly higher physical activity level than those whose assessment was no change or deleterious change (p<0.05).<br> These results indicate that acupuncture might have a positive affect on their symptoms, behavior, and feeling, and also provide opportunities to increase walking physical activity in middle-aged and elderly people with skeletai and muscular disorders.
ABSTRACT
The largest percentage of patients receiving acupuncture treatment in Japan are those with chronic aches. Aches are major factors of QOL, and the pain-killing effect of acupuncture treatment has a large clinical significance. In the study, therefore, we expressed the QOL of the patients who received acupuncture treatment as scores using SF-36 and then examined the effect of acupuncture treatment on improving the QOL. Each score of SF-36 was rated from 0 to 100, where higher points represent better states of health.<br>The study was conducted on 60 patients who received acupuncture treatment in our facility from Oct. 2002 to Jan. 2003.<br>All scores before the start of treatment were low, and all score fell below the national standard value. Physical functions (PF), bodily pain (BP), and generally view of healthiness (GH) of the physical component summary (PCS) and vitality (VT) of mental component summary (MCS) showed particularly low scores relative to other scores. Comparison of scores before the start of treatment with those 1 month after the treatment revealed that BP among the eight sub-scales was improved significantly (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that receiving acupuncture treatment can contribute to improving a patient's QOL.
ABSTRACT
The definition of Pain, “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage” (International Association for the Study of Pain : IASP, 1994), which is often used to explain its subjectivity. It is necessary to evaluate the pain objectively for diagnosis and effectiveness of therapy.<BR>As an evaluation method of chronic pain, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) are used. Recent years, face visual analog scale and Current Perception Threshold (CPT) testing are also used commonly. Drug challenge test draws attention as it combines an evaluation method and an effective therapy. Meanwhile as a therapy of chronic pain, the reports of epiduroscopy and phototherapy are increasing. The epiduroscopy is an endoscopic operation for patients with the chronic low back pain. In Japan the therapy is performed increasingly for patients with the low back pain of spinal canal stenosis, failed back syndrome and lumbar disc herniation. Regarding the phototherapy, the reports which show the effectiveness of linear polarized infrared raytherapy and xenon phototherapy are mainly observed. Though the nerve block is still the dominant therapy in pain clinics, acupuncture therapy and phototherapy are prospected to increase their demands in future.
ABSTRACT
Electro-nerve stimulation is an Electro Acupuncture (EA) method that is clinically applied to treat periphral neuropathy. We examined the effects of electro-nerve stimulation on the Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (SCV). The changes in SCV caused by applying electro-nerve stimulation to the peripheral nerves were measured.<br>Al-Hz EAT was applied for 10min to the right upper arms of healthy adult volunteers (n=12). The SCV in the median nerve and the skin temperature of the forearm were measured before and after the application. The SCV and skin temperature were found to exhibit asignificant decrease after the electricity was turned on. Therefore, we concluded that EAT caused the decrease in skin temperature of the forearm and, as a result, lowered the SCV in the median nerve.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of deep temperature of muscle, heart rate and blood pressure by two kinds of different stimulations (electrical acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) in 20 healthy volunteers. Each subjects received stimulations on both tibialis anterior muscles.<br>The deep temperature of muscle increased by two different stimulations, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation indicated significant change.<br>The changes of blood pressure tend to decrease after electrical acupuncture. The changes of heart rate showed a similar tendency to increase.<br>These results suggested the difference in clinical applications of the two different stimulations.
ABSTRACT
Meige syndrome is a disease which is characterized by blepharospasm. We report thefavorable effects of Electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) on a patient with Meige syndrome.<BR>This patient, a 56-year-old female, received standard medical treatments for 3 months, however the treatementsdid not relieve her from the distress of blepharospasm.<BR>After three months, EAT treatments was included. EAT was applied to the orbicularis ocule muscles and thefacial nerves. The treatment indexes of both the average number of blinks and the Jankovic score were improvedafter EAT, though there had been no changes in the indexes in the first three months without the additional EATtreatment.<BR>The results suggest that EAT is an effective treatment for Meige syndrome.
ABSTRACT
We assessed the Master's single two-step test, postural blood pressure reflex, and autonomic nervous system manifestation in 112 essential hypertension patients and evaluated the results of low-frequency electroacupuncture therapy in 32 patients who exhibited the pressor type of diastolic blood pressure response to exercise.<br>The following conclusions were drawn from the results.<br>1. The diastolic blood pressure response to exercise was the pressor type in 60 patients (54%) and the depressor type in 52 patients (46%). By catagory, it was the pressor type in 40 (56%) of the 72 patients in the group taking antihypertensive drugs, and the depressor type in 32 (44%). In the group of 38 patients taking diuretics, it was the pressor type in 20 patients (53%). In the group of 40 patients not taking autihypertensive drugs, 20 patients each displayed the pressor-type response and the depressor-type response.<br>2. The group with a pressor diastolic blood pressure response to exercise had higher systolic pressure when seated at rest than the depressor group, and the extent of the rise in systolic pressure in response to the exercise load was greater. The extent of the decrease in systolic blood pressure immediately after standing up in the postural blood pressure response test was less than in the depressor group.<br>3. The incidences of edema of the lower extremities, coldness of the lower extremities, and other autonomic nervous system symptoms were higher in the group with the pressor diastolic blood pressure response to exercise than in the depressor group.<br>4. The results of low-frequency electroacupuncture therapy on the 32 patients in the group with the pressor diastolic blood pressure response to exercise showed a depressor diastolic pressure response to exercise in 23 of the patients (72%). The period of treatment until the transition to the decreased pressure period was 5.5 months. While no improvement in the extent of the rise in systolic pressure in response to exercise was observed in the depressor stage, an increase in the extent of the decrease in systolic blood pressure immediately after standing up was observed in the postural blood pressure response test.<br>From on the above results, it was found that some patients with pre-hypertension and mild hypertension showed the diastolic pressure response to the Master's single two step test that differed (in pressor type) from that of healthy subjects. In particular, it was shown that the blood pressure of some patients taking antihypertensive agents whose blood pressure was always within the normal range exhibited blood pressure responses to exercise that differed from those of healthy subjects. It was also found that 1-Hz, 10-minute low-frequency electroacupuncture therapy applied to the posterior surface of the leg (tibialis posterior muscle) is effective in normalizing the diastolic blood pressure response (shifting to the depressor type) to the Master's single two-step test in patients who displayed a pressor-type diastolic blood pressure response to exercise.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to observe the effect on the change of heart rate and respiratory function by four kinds of different stimulation. We applied low frequency stimulation (1-30Hz) to 15 healthy volunteers. Each subject received stimulation at both 1Hz and 30Hz on Hegu (LI4)/Kong zui (L6) and rhomboids muscles.<br>The results indicated that a 1Hz current injection on the rhomboids muscle was the most effective for the respiratory function. An increase in the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and a decrease in the peak expiratory flow (PF) were observed. The change showed a similar tendency to that of a 1Hz stimulation to the rhomboids muscles of the patients wish asthma. This results suggests that the clinical application of acupuncture stimulation is feasible for respiratory diseases.<br>We also observed a correlation between the respiratory function and the autonomic function of heart on the 30Hz stimulation using points Hegu (LI4) and Kong zui (L6).
ABSTRACT
We studied the effect of bath products consisting of sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate on living subjects when these products are used with herbal ginseng extract as a trial for a new bath product; changes in dynamic circulation were used as indicators.<br>Experiments were conducted from December 1990 to February 1991 on 20 subjects consisting of healthy male adults (35.6±8.9 years).<br>Two types of bath products were used. One consists of sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate and the other was the combination of the former with ginseng extracted by alcohol. Twenty five grams of each product was dissolved in 200 liters of water.<br>As indicators of dynamic circulation, skin surface temperature on thorax, abdomen, dorsal side of hand and dorsum of foot, volume of blood flow in leg skin (on tibia), deep body temperature in frontal region and right calf, electrocardiograph, blood pressure, and the volume of the pulsewave in the right index finger and big toe were measured. After the experiment, each subject's opinion was gathered through a questionnaire.<br>The experiment was performed in an air conditioned room (26°C and 50% humidity) with bathing at 41°C for 10 minutes. The value of each indicator was measured before bathing and 15, 30, 45, and 60min after bathing.<br>Although no significant differences in measured values were found between the two kinds of bathing, we observed faster decrease in skin temperature and faster lowering of blood flow rate in the ginseng bath group as compared with the control group. We also noted a decreased difference in pulsewave height between upper and lower extremities after bathing in the ginseng bath group, but not in the control group. This response was observed solely in the ginseng bath group because a significant increase in pulsewave height occurred in the big toe while no increase is observed in the fingers in contrast to the control group.<br>Faster decrease in blood flow rate in the skin and increase in pulsewave height caused by the exposure to the same temperature imply increased heat conducting distance and interruption of heat transfer from deep areas to the skin. We therefore conclude that ginseng bathing is effective in keeping the body warm. The results of inquiries after bathing indicated that many subjects felt that ginseng bathing tended to warm their bodies.<br>As a result of using ginseng extracted by alcohol with bath products consisting of sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate, differences in peripheral vessel resistance between extremities tended to decrease after bathing. We consider that this is due to the improved general circulation throughout the whole body.
ABSTRACT
We report the effect of electrical acupuncture therapy (Tsukuba method) on 10 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knees.<br>We applied acupuncture to the sites of muscle induration and tenderness determined by physical examination and palpation. Pains during walking and when standing -up were releaved in all patients who received the treatment. Activities in daily life showed various responses to our treatment. No improvement in symptoms was found in three patients when they were going up and down staircases or sitting on tatami with their knees fully flexed. We consider that these differences in response are related to the degree of myatrophy, contracture, and stenosis of the joint space.
ABSTRACT
We investigated sports disorders in 112 (82 men, 30 women) members of Field and Track Club, University of Tsukuba.<br>Before acupuncture treatment, they entered their painful and fatigued areas in our chart and were tested by Cornel Medical Index.<br>After six months, we questioned 51 (38 men, 13 women) members treated by acupuncture on effects.<br>The following results were obtained.<br>1. The painful areas varied with athletic events, that were muscles and joints they moved frequently.<br>The painful areas were mostly low backs and thighs in a short distance and hurdle race, hips and legs in a middle and long distance, low backs and legs in a jumping event, elbows and low backs in a throwing event.<br>2. As a result of Cornel Medical Index, it was proved that many members had more mental than physical symptoms.<br>3. Most of members treated by acupuncture could still go on with training in spite of pains.<br>4. The effects of treatment continued for 2-3 days.<br>5. The effects were rated as follows: better 78.4%, no change 14%, worse 6%.
ABSTRACT
We have continued a study on the preventive effects of acupuncture on recurrent tonsillitis. Among 239 patients with tonsillitis examined in 1980, 200 were included in the category of recurrent tonsillitis, showing a fever four or more times a year.<br>The preventive effects of acupuncture in these 200 patients are reported in this paper.<br>The subjects were 200 patients with recurrent tonsillitis treated in our department in 1980. The frequency, number of days and severity of fever and other symptoms (conditions of the nose and throat, snoring, colds and general condition) were followed for one year after the acupuncture treatment.<br>Of the 200 patients, 171, excluding the 29 in whom the results of research could not be obtained, were analyzed. With regard to the frequency of fever, the number of patients with a fever 12 or more times a year decreased from 102 before acupuncture therapy to nine after the treatment. The number of patients who did not have any fever and who had a fever one to three times after treatment was 30 and 69, respectively. Thus, 40.4% were not included in the category of recurrent tonsillitis, even though fever was present. In addition, there was a decrease in the severity and number of days of fever.<br>Favorable effects of the treatment on symptoms other than fever, such as conditions of the nose and throat, snoring, resistance to colds and general condition, were noted in more than 50% of the patients who did not have any fever after treatment or had a fever half as frequently as before treatment.<br>When the preventive effects on fever were determined according to age, improvement was observed in all age groups. From the viewpoint of the prevention of repetition of a high fever, the best results were obtained in patients 6-11 years of age, followed by those five years old or less.<br>Acupuncture treatment for recurrent tonsillitis is not so effective as tonsillectomy. However, we consider that acupuncture treatment is worth using prior to tonsillectomy to prevent the relapse of recurrent tonsillitis, taking into account operative stress on the living body and economic and personal problems arising from tonsillectomy.
ABSTRACT
We have conducted acupuncture treatment for prevening the relapse of recurrent tonsillitis. We previously noted the effectiveness of this treatment in 121 of 239 patients treated in 1980, especially in elementary school children. In the present study, we compared the annual days of absence from school and the body dimensions of children with tonsillitis given acupuncture treatment with those having tonsillar hypertrophy chosen by a school study, although there is a question on the latter's propriety as a control group in a strict sense, in order to investigate the degree of spontaneous healing included in the preventive effects of acupuncture treatment on the relapse of recurrent tonsillitis.<br>By May 1983, our reseach was completed in 22 children with tonsillitis given acupuncture treatment and 19 with tonsillar hypertrophy not given such therapy. In children with tonsillitis given acupuncture treatment, the average annual days of absence from school before treatment was 14.0, which was more than that for all children in the S elementary school, and that in the year after treatment was 6.5, approximating that for all children in the school. In children with tonsillar hypertrophy not given acupuncture treatment, the average number of days of absence was close to that for all children in the S elementary school in both years.<br>Among 14 children with tonsillitis given acupuncture treatment, lower values of height and weight were noted in eight and 12 children, respectively, at the beginning of treatment, as compared with the national averages. The body dimensions of children with tonsillar hypertrophy not given acupuncture treatment were similar to the national averages. Of 14 children with tonsillitis given acupuncture treatment, an increase to a value exceeding the national average was observed with both the height and weight in six children, the height in two and the weight in one within the year after treatment.<br>The above results show that children with tonsillitis have a problem from the educational and developmental standpoint, even if they do not have a focal tonsil. We think that acupuncture treatment is worth attempting prior to tonsillectomy, although it is not so surely effective as tonsillectomy, when the severity of operative stress on the living body due to tonsillectomy and the burden of medical expenses and the load on the patient's family caused by hospitalization are taken into consideration.
ABSTRACT
The effects of transsomatic physical therapies (acupuncture and TENS) on the neurogenic bladder were examined in 73 patients (50 men and 23 women) aged 15-78 years old (mean, 59.8 years old). The capacity of the bladder and residual urine volume were observed by cystometry, uroflowmetry and by determining the urethral pressure profile. The following results were obtained:<br>1. In the patients with dysuria due to hypertonus of the sympathetic nerve system, the tonus of the sphincter urethrae and urethral resistance decreased due to the effects of acupuncture anesthesia, resulting in a decline in residual urine volume and improved urination in 71.4%.<br>2. Urethral resistance also decreased, in the patients with hypotonic bladder, resulting in a decline in residual urine volume and improved urination in 75%.<br>3. Acupuncture anesthesia by applying TENS seems to be clinically significant for improving urination in the neurogenic bladder.
ABSTRACT
We administered electro-acupuncture with the purpose of preventing repeated attacks of repetitive tonsillities.<br>The majority of the 77 subjects were kindergarden and elementary shool children, who had high fiver more then 4 times a year.<br>The treatment method was as follows: 1Hz low frequency stimulation between Co 4 and lu 6 (and this bilateral) for 20 to 30 minutes.<br>The treatment interval was once a week, with 3 weeks constituting a treatment course.<br>And depending on the results of 1 course, the treatment was repeated or not. 53 patients followed 1 course, 24 patients followed 2 course.<br>The evaluaton of the results is based on a 1 year observation period.<br>RESULTS:<br>-9 patients (11.68%) didn't got any high fever.<br>-49 patients (63.63%) noticed a decrease of the high fever frequency [39 patients (50.64%) got less then 3 times a year a high fever.]<br>-19 patients (24.67%) didn't notice any effect [6 patients (7.79%) got tonsillectomy.]<br>This study showed the usefulness of acupuncture and as it's a general and easy to apply therapy, we can consider acupuncture as a first choice therapy for the prevention off repetitive tosillitis.
ABSTRACT
Using the peripheral-visceral reflex, one of the peripheral-autonomous reflexes as a clue we grappled with the problem of clarifying or explaining the acupuncture-moxibustion therapeutic effect meridians, acupoints, etc. At this time using principaly the peripheral-cardiac reflex and the circulatory function as an index, a survey examination concerning the differences in peripeheral responses with acupuncture and moxibustion was conducted.<br>Method:<br>Subjects: 32 healthy female and male adults between the ages of 22-40.<br>Method of Observing Physiological Phenomena:<br>Changesd in heartbeat were observed using an electrocardiograph (manufactured by Fukuda Electronics Inc.) and a polygraph (Nihon KODEN, Inc.). The pulse wave, respiration curve, etc., were simultaneously measured and recorded on the polygraph. Based on the above the patient was alowed to recline until the heart beat stabilized then stimulation was administered.<br>Area and Method of Stimulation: The point of stimulation in all but 2 cases was HC-4. In 2 cases 14 points over the entire body were used. Moxibustion stimulation involved 3 cones of moxa weighing 3.65mg. each. For acupuncture stimulation 1.3 TSUN No. 3 silver needles (manufactured by Aoki) were inserted to a depth of 2cm. and pecking at a rate of once per second administered for 30 seconds.<br>Results: The results of acupuncture-moxibustion stimulation at left HC-4 were that with acupuncture the heart beat decreases and with moxibustion stimulation quickens. In the individual 32 cases when these opposite responses of decreased pace with acupuncture, increased pace with moxibustion occured there was indicated a significant occurence with a danger rate of 1%.