Clinical effect observation on acupuncture for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the improvements of patients’ pulmonary ventilation function and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) distance. Methods:A total of 80 COPD patients [grade 3-4 in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), qi deficiency of the lung and kidney in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern] were randomly allocated into a treatment group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). Salmeterol Xinafoate and Fluticasone Propionate powder (Seretide,50μg/250μg) for inhalation was used for basic treatment in both groups (once in the morning and once in the evening). Patients in the treatment group received acupuncture at Feishu (BL 13), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Danzhong (CV 17) and Zusanli (ST 36) twice a week for 3 months. After 3 months of treatment, clinical effects, lung ventilation functions and 6-MWT distance were observed and compared in the two groups. Results:After 3 months of treatment, the total effective rate was 95.0% in the treatment group, versus 80.0% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05); the phlegm expectoration, dyspnea and shortness of breath were more significantly improved in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.01,P<0.05); and the 6-MWT distance and forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted value (FEV1%) were more significantly improved in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). Conclusion:Seretide inhaler combined with acupuncture can improve signs and symptoms in COPD patients, increase the 6-MWT distance, improve FEV1% and obtain better results than Seretide alone.