Effects of combining electroacupuncture with conventional care for the treatment of pressure ulcers / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

[Objective]We examined the effect of varying the stimulation site for electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of pressure ulcers. <BR>[Methods]The subjects were 56 patients with pressure ulcers in their pelvic areas. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups. The control group was 19 patients (conventional treatment and care in conformity with pressure ulcer care guidelines), local site EA group (local group) was 19 patients (local site EA combined with conventional treatment and care), and remote EA group (remote group) was 18 patients (remote site EA combined with conventional treatment and care). The local group received EA stimulation around the ulcerated area. The remote group received EA stimulation at both BL 40 (Weizhong, Ichu) and BL 57 (Chengshan, Shozan). The electrical source was a bipolar pulse wave at a frequency of 3Hz and a stimulation time of ten minutes 5 times a week.<BR>[Results]Compared to the control group after four weeks of treatment, the local group showed a significantly lower DESIGN-R rate of change. After six weeks, the local group showed a significantly lower level than the remote group. The local group showed a significantly smaller wound size compared to the control group after four weeks of treatment.<BR>After six weeks, the local group showed significantly smaller wound size than the remote group.<BR>[Conclusion]These results suggest that EA to the surrounding area is the most useful method for prompt healing of pressure ulcers.