ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of acupoint application on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis. METHODS: By random number table method,74 pneumoconiosis patients were randomly divided into two groups: acupoint application group and control group,37 cases in each one. The control group was given conventional treatment. Based onconventional treatment,the acupoint application group was given acupoint application with Chinese herbal medicine on the first day of Chu Fu,Zhong Fu,Mo Fu every year for three years. The changes of pulmonary function was observed in each group. The quality of life of patients was investigated by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. RESULTS: Before treatment,the pulmonary function indicators such as vital capacity,forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV1),FEV1/ FVC% 、peak expiratory flow( PEF),maximal voluntary ventilation and quality of life score between the two groups had no statistical significance( P > 0. 05). Compared with the same group before treatment,all indexes of pulmonary function,except FEV1/ FVC% and PEF,and life quality score were improved in patients in the control group after treatment( P < 0. 05). After treatment,all indexes of pulmonary function and life quality score were improved in patients in acupoint application group( P < 0. 01). The remaining 5 lung function indexes,except PEF,and the quality of life of the patients in acupoint application group were higher than those in the control group( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint application therapy can improve lung ventilation function and improve quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis.