Trends in Acupuncture Training Research: Focus on Practical Phantom Models

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to identify research trends in acupuncture training systems and models and to analyze acupuncture training using phantom models. Articles on acupuncture training were retrieved from domestic and foreign electronic databases (PubMed, CNKI, CiNii, NDSL, KISS, RISS and KMBase). The search included studies conducted from January 1, 2010 to October 1, 2021. Acupuncture training was analyzed by categorization into acupoint location training and needling training. Acupuncture training was most frequently studied in China, acupoint location training was the most studied in 2012, and needling training was the most studied in 2013 and 2020. Among them, a silicone model with a sensor was used for training in acupoint location, and silicone and agarose gel were frequently used for needling training. Classifications of the phantom models for needling training by topic included phantom development, phantom-based education and evaluation system, phantom-based quantitative measurement, comparison of kinematic characteristics of hand motion between experts and beginners, and phantom models for acupoint location and needling training. Further research on the development of acupuncture practice training systems to improve practical skills is needed.

Potential use of polydimethylsiloxane phantom in acupuncture manipulation practice

“…Although several studies have revealed that quantitative forces are generated from the needle-tissue interaction [ 4 , 5 , 12 ], including those that used PDMS as a tissue-mimicking phantom [ 13 , 14 ], acu-needles are different from regular injection needles in terms of incision shape of the needle tip, needle thickness, and elasticity. In Jang et al [ 15 ]'s survey on acupoint locating training and needling training using the phantom model, only two papers [ 16 , 17 ] used silicone phantoms for both training sessions. In order to practice acupuncture effectively, various manipulations are required, along with the use of a phantom model that accurately reflects different human tissues.…”

Development and Validation of a Vision-Based Needling Training System for Acupuncture on a Phantom Model

“…Incompetent acupuncture skills can cause pain and hematoma and even lead to bent and broken needles [9]. Therefore, novice acupuncturists must follow standard training procedures such as acupoint location training and needling training [10,11].…”

“…Thus, needling training is often conducted on phantom models to mimic the human body surface. These models are primarily based on silicon, gel, animal skin, apple, and cucumber [11]. Needling training is traditionally executed through an apprenticeship in which the students observe and try to replicate the practice of expert acupuncturists.…”

“…Regarding measurement methods, research in acupuncture needling training has used various sensing technologies to measure the kinetic and kinematic parameters of needle manipulation [11,15]. Attaching sensors directly to the needle is the most widely used technique for real-time measurement of parameters.…”

Application of the Rapid Prototyping Instructional Systems Design in Meridianology Laboratory

“…취혈의 정확도를 높이기 위한 고무줄자 활용 2) , 침자 수기법 교육 시스템 개발 3) , 경혈 위치교육 평가지원시스템 개발 4) , 자침 훈련에 필요한 팬텀모형 5) , 한의진단학 실습 7) , 침구 의학 임상실기지침 8) 등이 출판된 바 있으나, 실습서 혹은 지침서의 체계적인 개발과정 혹은 교수설계에 대한 언급은 찾아볼 수 없다. Did the operator guide the recipient to pose an appropriate and safe position for the procedure?…”