Abstract
The deficient and excess pulse qualities (DEPs) are the two representatives of the deficiency and excess syndromes, respectively. Despite its importance in the objectification of pulse diagnosis, a reliable classification model for the DEPs has not been reported to date. In this work, we propose a classification method for the DEPs based on a clinical study. First, through factor analysis and Fisher's discriminant analysis, we show that all the pulse amplitudes obtained at various applied pressures at Chon, Gwan, and Cheok contribute on equal orders of magnitude in the determination of the DEPs. Then, we discuss that the pulse pressure or the average pulse amplitude is appropriate for describing the collective behaviors of the pulse amplitudes and a simple and reliable classification can be constructed from either quantity. Finally, we propose an enhanced classification model that combines the two complementary variables sequentially.
Highlights
Pulse wave is a pressure wave propagating through the arterial system, generated by the periodic contraction and relaxation of the heart, and its characteristics are influenced by the compliance of the vascular system, blood viscosity, and the functions of major organs
We introduced a normalized coefficient that changes monotonically from 0 to 1; as the pulse amplitude becomes larger at heavy-applied pressures compared to light-applied pressures, the coefficient lies closer to 1 [21]
An accuracy of about 70% and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of about 0.4 are indicative of moderate concordance between Oriental medical doctor (OMD)’ diagnoses, noting that the diagnoses of Table 2 were not made by any fixed pairs of OMDs, but by cyclically paired OMDs among a pool of 11 OMDs on each day of study
Summary
Pulse wave is a pressure wave propagating through the arterial system, generated by the periodic contraction and relaxation of the heart, and its characteristics are influenced by the compliance of the vascular system, blood viscosity, and the functions of major organs. Pulse diagnosis has been considered a core component of diagnostics in Oriental medicine for thousands of years. In contemporary Oriental medicine, pulse diagnosis is made dominantly at three adjacent positions along the radial artery in both wrists. A palpation position called Gwan is located on the radial artery closest to the styloid process. An Oriental medical doctor (OMD) places the index, middle, and ring fingers, respectively, at Chon, Gwan, and Cheok and applies varying pressure simultaneously or sequentially to determine the pulse qualities
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