Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on sedation in healthy volunteers / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sedation in healthy volunteers.Methods:Forty-six healthy volunteers of both sexes, with the Sleep Self-Rating Scale score 10-30, aged 22-28 yr, with the body mass index 18.5-23.0 kg/m 2, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=23 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group (E group) and control group (C group). Bilateral Neiguan and Shenmen acupoints were stimulated for 30 min in group E, while the stimulator was only connected, and no current was given in group C. The bispectral index (BIS)value, heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure were recorded at 10 min in the supine position (T 0) during the quiet period, at 10 min intervals during stimulation (T 1, 2) and at 5 min intervals within 15 min after the end of electrical stimulation (T 3-5). Then the condition whether the patient had fallen asleep was observed, and the patients were followed up on the second day for sleep status and related complications. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, the BIS value was significantly decreased at T 2-5 in group E ( P<0.05). The BIS value was significantly lower at T 3, 4 in group E than in group C ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in sleep status during stimulation and at the night of the trial between the two groups ( P>0.05). Heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure were in the normal range at each time point, and no trial-related complications occurred in the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can produce certain sedative effect on healthy volunteers.