[Effect of acupoint-catgut implantation on the physical agility of professional athletes].

OBJECTIVES: To observe the impact of acupoint-catgut implantation on physical agility of athletes and to probe into its underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of 68 volunteer athletes were recruited in the present study. Sixteen rowers of China National Women's Racing Boat Team (CNWRBT) underwent comparative observation between pre- and post-treatment with acupoint-catgut implantation. Fifty-two athletes from Zhejiang Heavy Athletics Events Team (HAET) and Sand-beach Volleyball Team (SBVT) were randomized into control (n = 26) and treatment (n = 26) groups which were treated with massage (20 mm, once daily for 1 year), and catgut implantation at Guanyuan (CV 4), Mingmen (GV 4), etc. (once every two weeks), respectively. In the later group, after 6 times of treatment, the catgut implantation was given once a month, continuously for 1 year. Serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin (Hb) levels were detected before, 1.5 mon, 3 mon, 6 mon and 12 mon after the treatment, respectively. RESULTS: 1) Compared with pre-treatment, the 2 000 m ergometer time was shortened significantly (P < 0.01), and serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin (Hb) levels were increased evidently in 16 volunteer rowers of CNWRBT after 3 months' acupoint-catgut implantation treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). 2) In comparison with control group and pre-treatment, the midium- and long-distance running scores of the athletes of Zhejiang HAET and SBVT were elevated considerably (P < 0.01), serum testosterone and plasma Hb levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint-catgut implantation can significantly improve the athletes' anti-fatigue exercise capacity, enhance their physical agility to elevate their athletics events score, which may be closely related to its effects in raising blood testosterone and hemoglobin levels.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of catgut implantation at acupoints on exercise fatigue and study on the mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the therapeutic effect of catgut implantation at acupoint on exercise fatigue and to study on the mechanism. METHODS: Catgut implantation was given at main points Guanyuan (CV 4), Shen shu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in 41 players during training for 2 courses. Training-related condition and changes of blood testosterone (T) and hemoglobin (Hb) before and after training were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, sleeping quality, the mental state at the time of getting out of bed in the morning, appetite, training wish, training stamina, training quality, training attention, etc. in the player significantly improved, and blood T and Hb levels significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Catgut implantation at acupoints can significantly improve exercise fatigue in the player and the mechanism is possibly related with increase of testosterone and hemoglobin levels.