Acupuncture and Moxibustion have Different Effects on Fatigue by Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Controlled Clinical Trial.

Qing Shu,Li Chen,Gerhard Litscher,Hua Wang,Wenjuan He,Daniela Litscher,Fengxia Liang,Huanjiao Zhou,Song Wu,Lu Wang,Ingrid Gaischek

doi:10.1038/srep37846

Abstract

In order to investigate the different effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and alterations in the autonomic nervous system by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). Forty-five participants were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups using a randomization schedule. The control group (CG, n = 15) and the acupuncture group (AG, n = 15) were treated by manipulation acupuncture, and the moxibustion group (MG, n = 15) was treated by indirect moxibustion. Primary outcomes were the scores of the Fatigue Assessment Instrument (FAI). Secondary outcomes were the HRV parameters which can reflect activity of the autonomic nervous system. This trial considered both instantaneous changes and long-term effectiveness. FAI scores decreased after the 4th and 10th treatments in the 3 groups. The decrease in FAI in the MG was greater than that in the AG. Acupuncture was more effective in instantaneous changes of HRV and moxibustion in long-term aspects. Both acupuncture and moxibustion improved fatigue in CFS patients, but moxibustion was more effective. The possible mechanism of the intervention may be through activation of the vagus nerve. Moxibustion was more effective than acupuncture in long-term treatment of CFS.

Highlights

Three chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and 2 healthy volunteers were lost during the treatment because they could not adapt to acupuncture or they lost contact
There were no significant differences in age and sex ratio between the 3 groups, and no significant differences in Fatigue Assessment Instrument (FAI) scores were observed between acupuncture group (AG) and moxibustion group (MG), which were similar at baseline (Table 2)
We found that the mean heart rate (HR) of patients with CFS decreased, while LF, HF, and total power (TP) increased to a certain extent after acupuncture

Summary

Introduction

The ANS can be investigated noninvasively by recording heart rate (HR) and calculating heart rate variability (HRV) with Fourier analysis[19]. This method has been used in investigating CFS patients and has revealed differences between CFS patients and healthy people[20]. In light of advances in research methods and the shortcomings of previous clinical trials studying acupuncture treatment of CFS and regulation of HRV, we conducted a pilot controlled clinical trial. The aim of the trial was to investigate different effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on fatigue and regulation of HRV in patients with CFS.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion