Immediate Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36)Acupoint on Lower Limb Arterial Blood Flow:A Randomized Controlled Study
Objective To observe the immediate effect of ultrasound-guided needling on the blood flow of the lower limb arteries in healthy subjects at the Zusanli(ST36)acupoint and non-acupoint.Methods Totally 66 healthy subjects were randomly assigned to a trial group and a control group,with 33 subjects in each group.Under ultrasound guidance,the subjects'left Zusanli(ST36)acupoint and a point 3 cm lateral to Zusanli(ST36)were needled.The trial group was needled to the deep fascia,while the control group was needled to the superficial fascia,with both groups retaining the needle for 5 minutes and performing acupuncture once.Ultrasound was used to observe the peak systolic velocity(PSV),flow volume(FV),and arterial diameter(d)of the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery before and after acupuncture in both groups.Finally,the Chinese version of the Massachusetts General Acupuncture Sensation Scale(C-MASS)score,the distance of Qi transmission,and the physician's clinical evaluation of acupuncture sensation were evaluated for both groups.Results All subjects completed the trial,and all data were analyzed.Compared with before treatment in the same group,the PSV,FV,and d of the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery increased after treatment in the trial group(P<0.01),and the FV and d of the anterior tibial artery,and d of the dorsalis pedis artery increased in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the control group at the same time,the PSV,FV,and d of the anterior tibial artery,and the PSV and FV of the dorsalis pedis artery increased after acupuncture in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the C-MASS score in the trial group increased(P<0.05).The sensation of acupuncture in the trial group subjects mostly spread to below the calf,and the physician's sensation was mainly characterized by heaviness,tightness,and suction;in the control group,subjects had no sensation or only local sensation at the acupuncture site,and the physician's sensation was mainly characterized by relaxation,slow and smooth,or heaviness.Conclusion Acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36)with the sensation of Qi can increase blood flow in the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery of healthy individuals,and improve lower limb vascular blood flow.(Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,No.ChiCTR2400080275)