The effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on physical performance by sedentary subjects submitted to ergospirometric test on the treadmill
Item
Title
The effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on physical performance by sedentary subjects submitted to ergospirometric test on the treadmill
Author(s)
Journal Publication
Date
2005
volume
45(1)
pages
134-140
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
AIM: Acupuncture and moxibustion are 2 therapeutic methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in physical performance by an ergospirometry test. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects, sedentary, were randomized into 3 groups: Group I (Acupuncture); Group II (Acupuncture-Sham) and Group III (Control). They were submitted to anamnesis and an ergospirometry test. The subjects from Groups I and II were submitted to 10 acupuncture and moxibustion sessions, twice a week, for 5 weeks. The differences between the groups were that in Group I the acupuncture and moxibustion sessions were performed in acupoints and Group II in non acupoints. After this, the ergospirometry test was performed again. RESULTS: The acupuncture and moxibustion sessions did not increase maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) significantly. Other variables presented a significant increasing: oxygen uptake in anaerobic threshold (VO2La); velocity in anaerobic threshold (Vel LA); caloric consumption (Gast Cal). The heart rate decreased when compared to velocity pre and post-treatment. The results show peripheral, afferent stimulation (acupuncture and moxibustion) could alter the functions of structures or internal organs. The decrease in heart rate and the significant improvement in oxygen uptake in anaerobic threshold are similar to adaptations to physical training. Probably, the autonomic nervous system (mainly sympathetic system) is engaged in the acupuncture and moxibustion mechanism of action. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion decreased the heart rate during the ergospirometry test; the oxygen uptake in anaerobic threshold (VO2La); velocity in anaerobic threshold (Vel LA) and caloric consumption (Gast Cal) had significantly increased.
pmid
Date of Input: 5/21/2015; Date Modified: 9/22/2015; Availability: --In File--; Priority: Normal; Athletic Performance; Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. danielgentil@yahoo.com; eng; Web: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16208302
has health condition studied
Healthy Subjects
plan
>1/WK
has study population number
31
has duration
5 Weeks