Effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on limb spasm and excitability of motor neurons in stroke rats / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on limb spasm and excitability of motor neurons in stroke rats. Ischemic stroke model was induced with middle cerebral artery embolization in SD rats. Thirty-three modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, electro-acupuncture group, and baclofen group with 11 rats in each group, and another 10 rats were taken as sham operation group. The electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group were treated with electro-acupuncture and baclofen tablets respectively. The model group and the sham operation group had no intervention. The neural function was evaluated with Bederson's scale and balance beam test; the muscle tension was measured with electrophysiography; the pathological changes of brain tissue was examined with HE staining; the content of glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rat cerebral cortex was analyze with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a () and γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 1 () mRNA were detected with RT-qPCR. Compared with the model group, the neurological function scores of the electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group showed a downward trend at d7 after operation (all >0.05), and the neurological function scores of the electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group were significantly decreased at d12 after the operation (all 0.05). Compared with the model group, the electrophysiological results of the electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group were significantly increased after operation (all <0.05). The results of HE staining showed that there was no cell edema and degeneration in the sham operation group, no pyknosis of the nucleus, and no bleeding in the interstitium. Cell edema and degeneration and mesenchymal congestion appeared in the model group. Compared with the model group, the cytoplasmic edema and degeneration and the interstitial bleeding in the electroacupuncture group and the baclofen group were reduced. Compared with sham operation group, the Glu content and the relative expression of mRNA was increased in the model group, electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group, while the GABA content and the relative expression of mRNA decreased (all <0.05). Compared with model group, the Glu content and the relative expression of mRNA in the electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group decreased, and the GABA content and relative expression of mRNA increased (all <0.05). Electro-acupuncture may improve limb spasm after stroke through regulating the expression of Glu and GABA in the cerebral cortex and the excitability of motor neurons in rats.

Clinical Observation of Short-segment Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Non-fusion Fixation Plus Electro-acupuncture for Treatment of Single Thoracolumbar Fracture / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the feasibility of short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw non-fusion fixation plus electro-acupuncture for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture.Methods Forty-three patients with single thoracolumbar fracture were treated with short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion,and then were given electro-acupuncture on points such as Jiaji (EX-B2),Huantiao (GB30),and Zhibian (BL54) after the operation.Before and after operation and during the follow-up,X-ray images of the spine at positive position and lateral position were taken for the measurement of vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and the vetebral kyphosis Cobb's angle.Lumbago visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry scores for lumbago function disorder were used for the evaluation of clinical efficacy.Results (1) All of the 43 patients were followed-up,and the follow-up period lasted for 10-27 months.(2) After the operation and at the end of follow-up,vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and Cobb's angle were much improved (P ＜ 0.01compared with those before the operation),and the two indexes at the end of follow-up were improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜ 0.05).(3) One week after the operation and at the end of follow-up,VAS scores and Oswestry scores were obviously improved as compared with those before treatment (P ＜ 0.01),and the two kinds of scores at the end of follow-up were also improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜0.01).Conclusion Short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion plus electro-acupuncture at points such as Jiaji is effective for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture by relieving pain in the waist and back,which ensures the satisfactory effect of operation.

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy (EAT) to the Lower Limbs of Young Women who Suffer from Chilly Constitution (‘Hie’symptoms)—As judged by bodily pain (BP) score of Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-8 Survey (SF-8)— / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objective  We examined the effects of low frequency electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) on young women who suffered from‘Hie’symptoms, which were judged according to the national normal value of bodily pain (BP) scores from a ”Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-8 Survey“ (SF-8). Subjects and Methodology  The experimental subjects were 20 women (mean age: 21.2 years old; range: 18-26 years old) who exhibited symptoms of ‘Hie’ symptoms (vasomotor dysfunction) and whose toes’skin temperature increased or showed a different reaction between right and left during a postural change test. A stainless steel acupuncture needle (length: 40 mm; diameter: 0.2 mm) was inserted approximately 15 mm deep at SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Saninko). EAT using an active electrode (the needle) at SP6 and a reference electrode (surface electrode) at the lateral-anterior aspect of the lower leg was applied at a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The therapy was provided one session per week for a total of five sessions. Effects of the therapy were evaluated by using an original questionnaire (‘Hie’diary), which consisted of six categorical of 14 symptoms (including of‘Hie’) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of‘severity of Hie’. Moreover, changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by acupuncture were evaluated by using the SF-8 Standard Edition. Results  Subjects were grouped according to their SF-8 BP scores before the therapy: 12 subjects (L group) whose scores were less than the national normal value (42.75 points), and eight subjects (H group) whose scores were more than the national normal value. For both groups VAS levels showed no statistically significant changes, but for the L group the total score of 14 symptoms significantly decreased after the second therapy session compared with scores before the therapy. Moreover, the statistically significant decrease in the total score lasted for one month after the therapy had been finished. Compared with before therapy, the score of ‘vitality’ (VT) significantly increased for the L group one month after the therapy, and those of BP and ‘mental health’ (MH) significantly increased for the L group just after and one month after the therapy. Conclusions  EAT at SP6 on young women with ‘Hie’ symptoms (vasomotor dysfunction) contributes to improvement in overall condition and health-related QOL, and it is occluded that the effect of the EAT was high, because HRQOL was low (the score of BP was low).

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy to Lower Limbs on Chilly Constitution (‘Hie’Symptoms) —Comparison by the presence or absence of vasomotor dysfunction— / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objective: We examined the effects of low frequency electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) in young women with‘Hie’symptoms, which were classified according to the presence of the vasomotor dysfunction as determined by the postural change test. Subjects and Methods: Subjects were 43 women (mean age, 21.2 years) who exhibited‘Hie’symptoms. The postural change test was performed in five-minute-loads in a standing position after a rest period of 10 minutes in a spine position. The skin temperature in the lower limbs was measured before and after the test. A stainless steel acupuncture needle (length, 40 mm; diameter, 0.2 mm) was inserted approximately 15 mm in depth at SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Saninko). EAT using an active electrode (needle) at SP6 and a reference electrode (surface electrode) at the lateral-anterior aspect of the lower leg were carried out at a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The therapy was provided in a total of 5 sessions, with 1 session per week, and the postural change test was performed after 5 sessions. Thermal images from the medial aspect of the foot to the tibial aspect of the lower leg were captured using a thermography device, and mean skin temperature was calculated in selected regions of the toes and tibial aspect of the lower leg. Effects of the therapy were also evaluated using an original questionnaire (‘Hie’diary) concerning‘Hie’symptoms, which consists of six categorical scales of 14 symptoms including‘Hie’and severity of‘Hie’on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. Moreover, changes in health-related quality of life by acupuncture were evaluated using the SF-8 Standard Edition. Results: Subjects were classified according to the results of the postural change test: 23 people (no vasomotor dysfunction group; non-vd group) whose skin temperature in the toe decreased after the postural change and 20 people (vasomotor dysfunction group; vd group) whose skin temperature in the toe increased after the load or showed a different reaction between right and left. In the vd group, the total score of 14 symptoms in the‘Hie’diary was significantly higher, and subjective‘Hie’symptoms showed a more severe score than that in the non-vd group. The bodily pain score in the SF-8 in vd group was significantly lower than a national reference value. After an EAT session, the vd group’s skin temperature on the tibial aspect of the lower leg at 20 minutes after completion of the load was significantly higher than that before the load. Moreover, changes in the VAS score and SF-8 score showed no statistical significant in both groups, but the total score of 14 symptoms decreased significantly in the vd group. Conclusions: We suggested that normalization in the blood vessel reaction in lower limbs by EAT at SP6 contributed to the improvement in the systemic condition that was determined by the postural test. The issue of further investigation is to elucidate the pathogenesis andor establishment of the treatment in the subjects with‘Hie’symptom whose vasomotor function was within normal limits.

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy (EAT) to the Lower Limbs of Young Women who Suffer from Chilly Constitution (‘<I>Hie</I>’symptoms)—As judged by bodily pain (BP) score of Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-8 / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<B>Objective</B><br> We examined the effects of low frequency electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) on young women who suffered from‘<I>Hie</I>’symptoms, which were judged according to the national normal value of bodily pain (BP) scores from a ”Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-8 Survey“ (SF-8).<br><B>Subjects and Methodology</B><br> The experimental subjects were 20 women (mean age: 21.2 years old; range: 18-26 years old) who exhibited symptoms of ‘<I>Hie</I>’ symptoms (vasomotor dysfunction) and whose toes’skin temperature increased or showed a different reaction between right and left during apostural change test. A stainless steel acupuncture needle (length: 40 mm; diameter: 0.2 mm) was inserted approximately 15 mm deep at SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Saninko). EAT using an active electrode (the needle) at SP6 and a reference electrode (surface electrode) at the lateral-anterior aspect of the lower leg was applied at a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The therapy was provided one session per week for a total of five sessions. Effects of the therapy were evaluated by using an original questionnaire (‘<I>Hie</I>’diary), which consisted of six categorical of 14 symptoms (including of‘<I>Hie</I>’) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of‘severity of <I>Hie</I>’. Moreover, changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by acupuncture were evaluated by using the SF-8 Standard Edition.<br><B>Results</B><br> Subjects were grouped according to their SF-8 BP scores before the therapy: 12 subjects (L group) whose scores were less than the national normal value (42.75 points), and eight subjects (H group) whose scores were more than the national normal value. For both groups VAS levels showed no statistically significant changes, but for the L group the total score of 14 symptoms significantly decreased after the second therapy session compared with scores before the therapy. Moreover, the statistically significant decrease in the total score lasted for one month after the therapy had been finished. Compared with before therapy, the score of ‘vitality’ (VT) significantly increased for the L group one month after the therapy, and those of BP and ‘mental health’ (MH) significantly increased for the L group just after and one month after the therapy.<br><B>Conclusions</B><br> EAT at SP6 on young women with ‘<I>Hie</I>’ symptoms (vasomotor dysfunction) contributes to improvement in overall condition and health-related QOL, and it is occluded that the effect of the EAT was high, because HRQOL was low (the score of BP was low).

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy to Lower Limbs on Chilly Constitution (‘Hie’Symptoms) —Comparison by the presence or absence of vasomotor dysfunction— / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<B>Objective:</B> We examined the effects of low frequency electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) in young women with‘Hie’symptoms, which were classified according to the presence of the vasomotor dysfunction as determined by the postural change test.<br><B>Subjects and Methods:</B> Subjects were 43 women (mean age, 21.2 years) who exhibited‘Hie’symptoms. The postural change test was performed in five-minute-loads in a standing position after a rest period of 10 minutes in a spine position. The skin temperature in the lower limbs was measured before and after the test. A stainless steel acupuncture needle (length, 40 mm; diameter, 0.2 mm) was inserted approximately 15 mm in depth at SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Saninko). EAT using an active electrode (needle) at SP6 and a reference electrode (surface electrode) at the lateral-anterior aspect of the lower leg were carried out at a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The therapy was provided in a total of 5 sessions, with 1 session per week, and the postural change test was performed after 5 sessions. Thermal images from the medial aspect of the foot to the tibial aspect of the lower leg were captured using a thermography device, and mean skin temperature was calculated in selected regions of the toes and tibial aspect of the lower leg. Effects of the therapy were also evaluated using an original questionnaire (‘Hie’diary) concerning‘Hie’symptoms, which consists of six categorical scales of 14 symptoms including‘Hie’and severity of‘Hie’on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. Moreover, changes in health-related quality of life by acupuncture were evaluated using the SF-8 Standard Edition.<br><B>Results:</B> Subjects were classified according to the results of the postural change test: 23 people (no vasomotor dysfunction group; non-vd group) whose skin temperature in the toe decreased after the postural change and 20 people (vasomotor dysfunction group; vd group) whose skin temperature in the toe increased after the load or showed a different reaction between right and left. In the vd group, the total score of 14 symptoms in the‘Hie’diary was significantly higher, and subjective‘Hie’symptoms showed a more severe score than that in the non-vd group. The bodily pain score in the SF-8 in vd group was significantly lower than a national reference value. After an EAT session, the vd group’s skin temperature on the tibial aspect of the lower leg at 20 minutes after completion of the load was significantly higher than that before the load. Moreover, changes in the VAS score and SF-8 score showed no statistical significant in both groups, but the total score of 14 symptoms decreased significantly in the vd group.<br><B>Conclusions:</B> We suggested that normalization in the blood vessel reaction in lower limbs by EAT at SP6 contributed to the improvement in the systemic condition that was determined by the postural test. The issue of further investigation is to elucidate the pathogenesis andor establishment of the treatment in the subjects with‘Hie’symptom whose vasomotor function was within normal limits.

Clinical Observation on Effect of Prevention of Glenohumeral Subluxation with Electro-acupuncture Therapy in Super-early Period of Cerebral Stroke in 76 Cases / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the preventive effects of electroacupuncture therapy on glenohumeral subluxation(GHS)in patients of cerebral stroke of super-early period. Methods A total of 160 cases with cerebral stroke were randomly recruited into a control group of 80 cases and a treatment group of 80 cases. The control group was treated with conventional medicine and rehabilitation training, while the treatment group was given electro-acupuncture therapy based on conventional medicine and rehabilitation training. All treatments were performed once in each day, and one treatment course lasted for ten days. The preventive effect was evaluated after the successive three courses. Results 4 cases in treatment group and 2 cases in control group quitted in therapeutic process. The GHS incidence rate in the third course of treatment group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). The severe GHS incidence rate of treatment group was significantly lower than control group in the second course (P<0.05)and the third course (P<0.01). The GHS scale of the treatment group showed no significant difference in all three courses (P>0.05), while the control group showed significant difference in one course of all three(P<0.05). Conclusion Electro-acupuncture therapy can significantly decrease GHS incidence rate, relieve pathogenetic condition, control its progress, and so thus prevent GHS of stroke patients in super-early period.

Comparison of Treatment Effects between Electro-Acupuncture and in Situ Acupuncture in Patients with Intractable Hunt Syndrome / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We retrospectively compared the treatment effects of electro-acupuncture against <i>in situ</i> acupuncture, in 15 Hunt's Syndrome patients who underwent acupuncture therapy in our institution between August 1996, and June 2004, and who had fulfilled 3 electroneurography (ENoG) criteria with a value of 0% within 90 days after onset, had a paralysis score of <20, and could be followed up for 6 months after onset. Electroacupuncture therapy was performed on the paralysis side of the faces of 8 patients (the electro-acupuncture group), while <i>in situ</i> acupuncture therapy was performed on the remaining 7 (the <i>in situ</i> acupuncture group). No significant differences were observed in the background factors between the two groups. Treatment results were evaluated using the 40-point paralysis score described by Yanagihara, as well as a sequela score, which was a modified method of the sequela assessment developed by Nishimoto and Murata et al. Changes in paralysis scores from first acupuncture therapy, out to 6 months post-onset were compared using repeated ANOVA measures, and Mann-Whitney U tests respectively. Recovery of paralysis scores did not significantly differ between the two groups (p=0.0507), although slightly better recovery was observed in the electroacupuncture group, as compared with the <i>in situ</i> acupuncture group. Additionally, sequelae scores did not significantly differ between the two groups (p=0.51). In recent years, many have been of the opinion that lowfrequency stimulation is contraindicated. In this study, however, the incidence of sequelae did not differ significantly between the electro-acupuncture therapy and the <i>in situ</i> acupuncture therapy groups, although slightly better paralysis recovery was observed in the former.

Study of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy (muscle-EAT) for Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats / 日本東洋医学雑誌

To examine the effectiveness of pain relief for muscle electro-acupuncture therapy (muscle-EAT), we performed a study using rats, with the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rat as an experimental arthritis model. Twenty-four female SD rats (6 weeks) were divided into three groups. AA rats were raised for 8 weeks as chronic pain model. Group I (AA-E) received stimulation of the quadriceps (depth 5mm) with muscle-EAT 1 HA 10 minutes, for five days. Group II (AA-N) was untreated as controls. Group III (CTL) were the normal rat controls.<br>After muscle-EAT stimulation, we measured the blood flow volume in the rat foot, reactive speed response to pain-related scores, and the amount of locomotor activity. The AA group showed significantly lower blood volume and locomotor activity response than the CTL group.<br>Moreover, sensory abnormalities caused a delayed reactive speed to heat stimulation. After muscle-EAT stimulation, Group I showed increased blood flow volume in the foot, locomotor activity and reactive speed response in pain-related scores, compared with those shown by Group II. These findings suggest that muscle-EAT is effective for relief of pain induced by chronic inflammation.

Clinical Study of Electro-Acupuncture Therapy -(EAT)-Examination of muscle-EAT and nerve-EAT- / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

We investigated the difference between muscle-EAT and nerve-EAT basically and clinically. A basic study was performed on healthy adult males. The skin blood flow, deep-tissue temperature, deep hemodynamics, heart rate, and deep-pain threshold were adopted as indexes, and they were compared for a total of three groups: the muscle stimulation-EA group, nerve stimulation-EA group and control group (no stimulation). An acupuncture needle was inserted into the gastrocnemius muscle for muscle stimulation-EA and another needle into the tibial nerve in the femoral region for nerve stimulation-EA. Electric current was then applied at 1Hz for 15 minutes after the flexibility of the foot joint was conformed. Each index was measured after it became stable and was recorded from 10 minutes before starting stimulation until 20 minutes after ending stimulation.<br>A clinical study was performed on 41 patients with cervical radiculopathy. Muscle-EAT was applied to the patients as the first choice. Cases graded five points or less in pain score (10-point method) after one month were included in the muscle-EAT group. Cases graded six points or more were subjected to nerve-EAT and were included in the nerve-EAT group. The therapeutic results in these two groups were examined for a period of three months at intervals of one month based on the pain score and the evaluation criteria for the results of treatment of cervical radiculopathy.<br>As a result, we found that the skin blood flow significantly increased on the stimulated side in both the muscle stimulation-EA and nerve stimulation-EA group. The increase was greater in the nerve stimulation group than in the muscle stimulation group. The deep-tissue temperature rose significantly on the stimulated side in the nerve stimulation-EA group. Regarding the deep hemodynamics, deoxy Hb decreased significantly in the nerve stimulation-EA group. No difference was found in heart rate between the two groups. The deep-pain threshold was significantly raised by nerve stimulation.<br>Patients with cervical radiculopathy who did not respond to continuous muscle-EAT for one month were subjected to nerve-EAT. After three months (two months after changing to nerve-EAT), similar improvements were found in both groups. Significant improvement of paresthesia was obtained with nerve-EAT.<br>These results suggested that the nerve-EAT influences the peripheral circulation and the deep pain threshold more effectively, enhancing the clinical efficacy.

Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Pain / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

The definition of Pain, “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage” (International Association for the Study of Pain : IASP, 1994), which is often used to explain its subjectivity. It is necessary to evaluate the pain objectively for diagnosis and effectiveness of therapy.<BR>As an evaluation method of chronic pain, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) are used. Recent years, face visual analog scale and Current Perception Threshold (CPT) testing are also used commonly. Drug challenge test draws attention as it combines an evaluation method and an effective therapy. Meanwhile as a therapy of chronic pain, the reports of epiduroscopy and phototherapy are increasing. The epiduroscopy is an endoscopic operation for patients with the chronic low back pain. In Japan the therapy is performed increasingly for patients with the low back pain of spinal canal stenosis, failed back syndrome and lumbar disc herniation. Regarding the phototherapy, the reports which show the effectiveness of linear polarized infrared raytherapy and xenon phototherapy are mainly observed. Though the nerve block is still the dominant therapy in pain clinics, acupuncture therapy and phototherapy are prospected to increase their demands in future.

A Report on the Treatment of Meige Syndrome with Electro-Acupuncture Therapy / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Meige syndrome is a disease which is characterized by blepharospasm. We report thefavorable effects of Electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT) on a patient with Meige syndrome.<BR>This patient, a 56-year-old female, received standard medical treatments for 3 months, however the treatementsdid not relieve her from the distress of blepharospasm.<BR>After three months, EAT treatments was included. EAT was applied to the orbicularis ocule muscles and thefacial nerves. The treatment indexes of both the average number of blinks and the Jankovic score were improvedafter EAT, though there had been no changes in the indexes in the first three months without the additional EATtreatment.<BR>The results suggest that EAT is an effective treatment for Meige syndrome.