Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation through acupoints of Pucan (BL 61) and Shenmai (BL 62) on intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) through acupoints on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. MethodsA single-blinded, randomized experimental design study was conducted. Patients from the North of Taipei Ophthalmology outpatient department diagnosed with intraocular hypertension were selected and were further enrolled if they met the research subject criteria. The patients who met all criteria, and who met no exclusion criteria became the participants. Participants were randomly assigned into the treated group, wherein the TENS electrodes (Qing Ming Medical Device Co., Ltd., New Taipei City, China) were applied with direct current (DC) on the acupoints Pucan (BL 61) and Shenmai (BL 62) for 20 min. The control group received no TENS electrode treatments. Measurements of IOP were taken four times using a pneumotonometer (Clinico Co., Ltd., New Taipei City, China), before, immediately after, 30 min after, and 60 min after TENS electrode treatments. ResultsEighty-two participants completed the experiment. IOP decreased more in the group treated with DC (P < 0.01) than in the control group. The lOPs were not affected by the age of the patients and their usage of medications. ConclusionTENS of acupoints of Pucan (BL 61) and Shenmai (BL 62) could significantly reduce the IOP in patients with glaucoma.