Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) for precompetition nervous syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Precompetition nervous syndrome comprises an excessive nervous and anxiety response to the high-pressure environment preceding a sporting competition. The use of acupuncture as a treatment option for anxiety, and wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) specifically in this instance, has been identified as a growing trend within the Western world. In our previous study, we have confirmed the efficacy of WAA for pre-examination anxiety. In this paper, we present a randomized controlled single-blind trial evaluating the use of WAA for precompetition nervous syndrome, comparing it with the intervention of sham acupuncture. METHODS/DESIGN: The study was designed as a randomized controlled single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of WAA for precompetition anxiety. The trial will be conducted in annual track and field events of Shanghai University of Sport. A total of 100 participants who meet inclusion criteria are randomly assigned by computerized randomization to receive WAA therapy or sham acupuncture. The group allocations and interventions are concealed to participants and statisticians. The Competition State Anxiety Scale (CSAI-2) is used as the primary outcome measure, while heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tension syndrome curative effect evaluation and participants' feeling of acupuncture questionnaire are applied as secondary outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will confirm whether WAA is effective to treat precompetition anxiety in annual track and field events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-13003931; registration date: 22 October 2013).

[Effect of total saponins of Rubus parviflolius (TSRP) on change of hydrated amount and blood-brain barrier in rats during focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of total saponins of Rubus parviflolius (TSRP) on brain edema and blood brain barrier in rats. METHOD: The model of local cerebral ischemia was established in rats by reversible inserting a nylon thread into the anterior cerebral artery through the internal carotid artery brain hydrated amount and content change of Evan' s blue (EB) in cortex subjected to 2h middle cererbral artery occlusion (MACO) followed by 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h reperfusion and effect of TSRP. penetrability of blood brain-barrier (BBB) the index includes brain hydrated amount and penetrability of blood brain-barrier BBB. RESULT: Com- pared with I/R group. Both brain hydrated amount and the EB content decreased significantly in TSRP groups on the 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h of reperfusion after 2 hour of cerebral ischemia induced by MACO model. CONCLUSION: TSRP could decrease brain hydrated amount and markedly lower permeability of blood-brain barrier subjected to 2 h MACO followed by 24 h reperfusion, and this may be a mechanism of TSRP alleviating brain edema during I/R.