Influence of quantified dry cupping on soft tissue compliance in athletes with myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to develop a quantitative dry cupping system that can monitor negative pressure attenuation and soft tissue pull-up during cupping to quantify soft tissue compliance. Methods Baseball players with myofascial pain syndrome were recruited to validate the benefits of cupping therapy. Nine of 40 baseball players on the same team were diagnosed with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome; another nine players from the same team were recruited as controls. All participants received cupping with a negative pressure of 400 mmHg for 15 minutes each time, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Subjective perception was investigated using upper extremity function questionnaires, and soft tissue compliance was quantified objectively by the system. Results During the 15-minute cupping procedure, pressure attenuation in the normal group was significantly greater than that in the myofascial group (p = 0.017). The soft tissue compliance in the normal group was significantly higher than that in the myofascial group (p = 0.050). Moreover, a 4-week cupping intervention resulted in an obvious increase in soft tissue lift in the myofascial pain group (p = 0.027), although there was no statistical difference in the improvement of soft tissue compliance. Shoulder (p = 0.023) and upper extremity function (p = 0.008) were significantly improved in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion This quantitative cupping monitoring system could immediately assess tissue compliance and facilitate the improvement of soft tissues after cupping therapy. Hence, it can be used in athletes to improve their functional recovery and maintain soft tissues health during the off-season period.

Application of traditional Chinese therapy in sports medicine

“…found that a cupping intervention effectively improved soft tissue compliance, shoulder, and upper limb functions in baseball players. 78 A recent study also found that cupping therapy could reduce inflammation after strenuous exercises. Ekrami et al.…”

Effect of durations and pressures of cupping therapy on muscle stiffness of triceps

“…Recent research starts to investigate the biomechanical responses of muscles after applying cupping therapy, and the efficacy of cupping therapy on treating musculoskeletal conditions (Chiu et al, 2020;Jan et al, 2021). For example, cupping therapy with a negative pressure of 400 mmHg for 15 min each time, twice a week, for 4 weeks can be used to improve functional recovery and health in athletes with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (Chiu et al, 2020). One of the benefits of cupping therapy is considered to be the reduction of muscle stiffness (Jan et al, 2021).…”

“…Cupping therapy is easier to apply compared to massage and stretching that require extensive training of a clinician. Recent research starts to investigate the biomechanical responses of muscles after applying cupping therapy, and the efficacy of cupping therapy on treating musculoskeletal conditions ( Chiu et al, 2020 ; Jan et al, 2021 ). For example, cupping therapy with a negative pressure of 400 mmHg for 15 min each time, twice a week, for 4 weeks can be used to improve functional recovery and health in athletes with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome ( Chiu et al, 2020 ).…”

Influence of cupping treatment on high-intensity anaerobic performance

“…Additionally, wet cupping involves prior incisions to the superficial skin, which will be followed by cups suction for bloodletting (Al Bedah, et al, 2016;Stephens, Selkow, & Hoffman, 2020;Wang, et al, 2020). Recently, cupping treatment has become more popular in athletic populations as a sports medicine treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, and purportedly for enhancing recovery and maximal effort performance (Bridgett, Klose, Duffield, Mydock, & Lauche, 2018;Cao, Li, & Liu, 2012;Chiu, Manousakas, Kuo, Shiao, & Chen, 2020;Ekrami, Ahmadian, Nourshahi, & Shakouri, 2021). Despite the use of cupping by some athletes in the 2016 Rio Olympics and other sports events, there has been limited evidence to support its efficacy in improving the high intensity exercise performance (Bridgett, et al, 2018).…”