Assessment of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Effects on the Electrophysiological Properties of the Ulnar Nerve: A Nerve Conduction Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Acupuncture and moxibustion, when used together, have act mechanically and thermally on treated reflexological areas. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the electrophysiological properties of the ulnar nerve. Methods: Electrical stimulation was applied to the ulnar nerve above the epi­condyle of 28 volunteers. A 20-V potential was applied, and after each 10 impulses it was increased by 10 V, up to a maximum of 80 V. At 20 and 80 V, the participants were asked to rate the discomfort from 0 to 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale for pain. After the first stimulation and data collection, the control group rested for 6 min, while the intervention group was submitted to acupuncture and moxibustion on Lingdao (HT 4). Following this period of time, a second electrical stimulation was performed on both groups. Results: The discomfort was greater in the intervention group during the second stimulation. The stimulus required to achieve the maximum amplitude decreased, but the changes were only statistically significant in the intervention group (p = 0.006). An increase in latency and a decrease in reaction velocity were noticed between the first and the second stimulation for both groups; however, only the control group presented statistically significant differences (p = 0.018 and p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: Acupuncture and moxibustion on HT 4 increased the electrical sensitivity, decreased the stimulus intensity to achieve the maximum amplitude, and avoided a significant increase in latency and decrease in reaction velocity in two consecutive electrical stimulations.