Abstract
BackgroundRadial pressure pulse wave (RPPW) examination has been a key diagnostic component of traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in RPPW along with various hemodynamic variables after acupuncture stimulation and to examine the validity of pulse diagnosis as a modern diagnostic tool.MethodsWe conducted acupuncture stimulation at both ST36 acupuncture points in 25 healthy volunteers. We simultaneously assessed the RPPW by pulse tonometry; heart rate variability (HRV) by electrocardiogram; photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals, respiration rate, peripheral blood flow velocity and arterial depth by ultrasonography; and cardiac output by impedance cardiography, before, during and after a session of acupuncture stimulation.ResultsWe observed consistent patterns of increased spectral energy at low frequency (<10 Hz) and pulse power using RPPW examination and in the amplitude and systolic area of the PPG signal during the entire acupuncture session. The low- and high-frequency domains of HRV increased and decreased, respectively, during the acupuncture session. The peripheral blood velocity rose shortly after needle insertion, reached a maximum in the middle of the session and decreased afterwards. The augmentation index (AIX) and pulse transit time (PTT) obtained from RPPW did not change significantly.ConclusionAcupuncture stimulation at ST36 in healthy subjects increased the peripheral pulse amplitudes (pressure pulse wave (PPW) and PPG), blood flow velocity (ultrasonography) and sympathetic nerve activity (HRV). The lack of changes in the AIX and PTT suggests that the increased pulse amplitudes and blood flow velocity may result from increased cardiac output.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (KCT0001663).
Highlights
Radial pressure pulse wave (RPPW) examination has been a key diagnostic component of traditional Chinese medicine
We found that RPPW and various hemodynamic variables, including peripheral blood velocity, heart rate variability (HRV) and PPG, followed consistent patterns during the acupuncture session at ST36 (Fig. 4)
In conclusion, in an attempt to find scientific evidence and the mechanism underlying pulse diagnosis, we investigated the changes in RPPW and related bio-signals from PPG, ECG, and ultrasonography with a conventional acupuncture treatment in healthy subjects
Summary
Radial pressure pulse wave (RPPW) examination has been a key diagnostic component of traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in RPPW along with various hemodynamic variables after acupuncture stimulation and to examine the validity of pulse diagnosis as a modern diagnostic tool. Examining the pressure pulse wave (PPW) along arteries, especially along. The PPW travels from the aortic arch to the peripheral arteries and carries vital information, such as heartbeat, blood pressure, arterial stiffness and aging [2]. These vital signs are affected by various body conditions. Many research groups have attempted to reveal more complex factors related to PPW that can reflect health status either directly or indirectly
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