Attention network function of insomniacs improved by manual acupuncture: Evidence from Attention Network Task

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate if manual acupuncture can improve the primary insomnia-induced impairments of attention network function and its safety. MethodsTotally 64 eligible participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, with 32 cases allocated to the treatment group and 32 cases allocated to the control group, respectively. The participants in the treatment group received real-acupuncture therapy [acupuncture at ‘Five Spirits Acupoints’ including Shéntíng (神庭 GV 24), Běnshén (本神 GB 13), Sìshéncōng (四神聪 EX-HN 1), Shéndào (神道 GV 11) and Shénmén (神门 HT 7)] whereas participants in control group received sham-acupuncture therapy with Streitberger placebo-needle and same acupoints. Interventions were offered every two days and three times a week for total 8 weeks. Both Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Attention Network Task (ANT) were employed to assess the changes of sleep quality and attention network function at pre-treatment and post-treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, adverse effects were monitored and recorded. Results(1) After 8-week treatment, the total score of PSQI in the treatment group decreased from 14.22±3.46 to 8.19±3.34 (P<0.001), and the total score of PSQI in the control group decreased from12.84 ± 3.90 to 11.41 ± 3.90 (P<0.05). The decrease in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.001). (2) After treatment, the alerting efficiency of both groups increased, the treatment group increased from 40.44±5.62 to 56.44±5.37 (P<0.001), and the control group increased from 39.50±6.39 to 40.06±6.14 (P<0.05). The increase in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.001). The total reaction time of both groups decreased, the treatment group decreased from 574.94±10.1 to 548.34±15.05 (P<0.001), and the control group decreased from 578.25±13.26 to 576.78±12.15 (P<0.05). The decrease in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.001). (3) No obvious change in orienting efficiency was observed in both groups after treatment (P>0.05). (4) No serious adverse events were reported in this trial, except 2 patients from treatment group had slight hematoma after receiving acupuncture therapy. ConclusionAcupuncture represents a safe and useful non-pharmacologic intervention option for primary insomniacs with impairments of attention network function (alertness and conflict processing/ executive control).