Abstract
PurposeThis study aimed to compare the trapezius muscle blood volume and oxygenation in the stimulation region and in a distant region in the same muscle during acupuncture stimulation (AS). We hypothesized that AS provokes a localized increase in muscle blood volume and oxygenation in the stimulation region.MethodsTwo sets of near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) probes, with 40-mm light-source detector spacing, were placed on the right trapezius muscle, with a 50-mm distance between the probes. Changes in muscle oxygenation (oxy-Hb) and blood volume (t-Hb) in stimulation and distant regions (50 mm away from the stimulation point) were measured using NIRS. Nine healthy acupuncture-experienced subjects were chosen as the experimental (AS) group, and 10 healthy acupuncture-experienced subjects were chosen for the control (no AS) group. Measurements began with a 3-min rest period, followed by "Jakutaku" (AS) for 2 min, and recovery after stimulation.ResultsThere was a significant increase in oxy-Hb (60.7 μM at maximum) and t-Hb (48.1 μM at maximum) in the stimulation region compared to the distant region. In the stimulation region, a significant increase in oxy-Hb and t-Hb compared with the pre-stimulation level was first noted at 58.5 s and 13.5 s, respectively, after the onset of stimulation.ConclusionIn conclusion, oxygenation and blood volume increased, indicating elevated blood flow to the small vessels, not in the distant region used in this study, but in the stimulation region of the trapezius muscle during and after a 2-min AS.
Highlights
A considerable number of patients (61.5/1000) who complain of shoulder stiffness (SS) visit oriental therapeutic clinics [1]
A significant increase in oxygenated haemoglobin (oxy-Hb) compared with the pre-stimulation level was first noted at 58.5 s after the onset of stimulation and continued thereafter until the end of the observation period, except from 73.5 to 91.5 s
Regarding total Hb (t-Hb), in the stimulation region, a significant increase compared to the pre-stimulation level was first noted at 13.5 s after the onset of stimulation and continued thereafter until the end of the observation period; in the distant region, it was first noted at 10.5 s and continued thereafter until 145 s after the onset of stimulation, except from 76.5 to 100.5 s
Summary
A considerable number of patients (61.5/1000) who complain of shoulder stiffness (SS) visit oriental therapeutic clinics [1]. Acupuncture stimulation (AS) is reported to increase local tissue blood flow in animals [57] and humans [3,8,9] and is applicable in therapeutic interventions of SS. Regarding the propagation of the signal transmitted by AS to the other parts of the muscles, it has been reported that an increase in muscle blood flow was noted only in the muscle where AS was applied [10]. There are several reports indicating that there exists a latency in C-fibre activation (~5 s) or vasodilatation response (15~20 s) from the onset of AS [11,12]. No temporal data has ever been investigated regarding blood flow response at the onset of AS in humans
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