Manipulation parameter optimization in Liu's back tuina therapy for kids' cough variant asthma in remission stage / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the optimal manipulation parameters in Liu's back tuina therapy for remission-stage cough variant asthma (CVA) in kids. Methods: A 5-factor 3-level L18(37) orthogonal design was adopted. The experimental factors and levels were selected: A, the number of times of Rou-kneading Feishu (BL 13); B, the frequency of Rou-kneading Feishu (BL 13); C, the number of times of Tui-pushing in a '介'-like pattern; D, the frequency of Tui-pushing in a '介'-like pattern; E, the intensity of red color after Ca-scrubbing Feishu (BL 13) with salt. A1, A2 and A3 stood for 10 times, 20 times and 30 times, respectively; B1, B2 and B3 stood for 200 times/min, 240 times/min and 280 times/min, respectively; C1, C2 and C3 stood for 50 times, 75 times and 100 times, respectively; D1, D2 and D3 stood for 150 times/min, 175 times/min and 200 times/min, respectively; E1, E2 and E3 stood for pinkish, bright red and dark red, respectively. A total of 108 kids with CVA in remission stage were divided into 18 groups using the random number table method, with 6 cases in each group. Changes in the cough score and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) level were observed after 15-day treatment. Results: The cough score and FENO level changed significantly in every group after treatment (all P<0.01). By the effect in improving cough score, the factors were listed as D, B, A, C and E in descending order; the most optimal manipulation parameter combination was group 17 (A3B2C1D3E1); the second optimal parameter combinations were group 7 (A3B1C2D1E3), group 13 (A2B1C2D3E1) and group 14 (A2B2C3D1E2). Regarding the effect in down-regulating the level of FENO, the factors were listed as C, A, E, B and D in descending order; the most optimal manipulation parameter combination was group 13 (A2B1C2D3E1); the second optimal parameter combinations were group 18 (A3B3C2D1E2), group 16 (A3B1C3D2E3) and group 14 (A2B2C3D1E2).Conclusion: Two most effective manipulation parameter combinations were selected out of 18 different parameter combinations in Liu's back tuina therapy for remission-stage CVA in kids. Doctors can choose an appropriate manipulation based on the symptom features of the disease.