The effect of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture on lower limb muscle strength

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether six weeks' of acupuncture has a positive effect on plantar flexion muscle strength and whether electroacupuncture (EA) has a greater effect than manual acupuncture (MA) on plantar flexion, so that the most beneficial method of acupuncture can be established for strengthening muscles. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: control/non-acupuncture group (n＝6), manual acupuncture group (MAG) (n＝8) and electroacupuncture group (EAG) (n＝6). MAG and EAG received three 25 minute treatment sessions per week for 6 weeks. The control group continued with their normal training activity and received no treatment. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the ankle plantar-flexors at 30° per second was measured using Biodex system 3. Results: Both MA and EA had a positive effect in increasing plantar flexion strength. The likelihood for this happening was high; 69% for MA and 92% for EA when compared with the control group. However the effect size was small for both groups. There was only a trivial difference in the effect size between the EAG and the MAG in regards to average plantar flexion torque. Conclusion: EA and MA have a beneficial effect on plantar flexion muscle strength compared with the control group in healthy population.

Electroacupuncture and Manual Acupuncture Increase Joint Flexibility but Reduce Muscle Strength

“…Whereas, metal acupuncture needles play crucial roles in producing mechanical and/or neurophysiological effects on functional improvements, an additional application of electrical stimulation (e.g., transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: TENS) may theoretically produce a more positive effect. Since the combined treatment form of acupuncture and electrotherapy was first introduced in 1820 [ 10 ], many studies [ 6 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] have compared the effectiveness between electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture. In regards to pain, electroacupuncture was effective in reducing pain in patients with elbow [ 14 ], lower back [ 15 ], and hand [ 16 ] conditions.…”

“…In regards to pain, electroacupuncture was effective in reducing pain in patients with elbow [ 14 ], lower back [ 15 ], and hand [ 16 ] conditions. In regards to function, there were no differences in knee functional mobility [ 11 ] and strength in knee extension [ 12 ] for knee osteoarthritis, and strength in ankle plantarflexion [ 13 ] and ankle dorsiflexion [ 6 ] in healthy population. While, electroacupuncture is considered a superior treatment to manual acupuncture for pain, it is still a debate of controversy when compared functional outcomes.…”

The Underlying Mechanism of Acupuncture on Enhancing Muscle Strength: A Review of Literature

“…Strength training forms an integral part of an athlete's preparation for competition, return to sport following injury, or the prevention of injuries [95]. Muscles in athletes who partake in regular intensive exercise programs undergo major adaptive changes, which include increased muscle mass, mitochondrial contents, and respiratory capacity of the muscle fibers.…”

Effect of Acupuncture in the Management of Competitive Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The somatic is the physiological element, which relates to autonomic arousals, negative symptoms such as feelings of nervousness, high blood pressure, dry throat, muscular tension, rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, and butterflies in the stomach [12,13]. Acupuncture has been used in the field of sports medicine for several decades; however, its primary use within this field has been in the management of pain and enhancing the healing process following sports injuries [15]. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for the management of general anxiety disorders.…”