Manual acupuncture for neuromusculoskeletal disorders: The selection of stimulation parameters and corresponding effects
Wang BG, Xu LL, Yang HY, Xie J, Xu G, Tang WC · Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2023 January 30
DOI 10.3389/fnins.2023.1096339
Objective
As a minimally invasive method of physical stimulation, manual acupuncture (MA) is used globally as a sort of therapy for neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This paper reviewed the three types of stimulation parameters of MA, their common options and values, corresponding effects and potential mechanisms of action. The purpose of such efforts is to provide a useful reference for the dose-effect relationship of MA and the quantification and standardization of its clinical treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders to further promote the application of acupuncture in the world.
Conclusions
This article reviews three types of stimulation parameters that MA can select in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and their corresponding effects. The manipulation parameters include lifting-inserting and twirling, both of which can achieve positive therapeutic effects. Lifting-thrusting may be more suitable for improving joint movement, while twirling is probably more preferred for analgesia and anti-inflammation. In terms of the kinematic parameters, appropriately increasing the needling amplitude within a safe range may bring about a certain enhancement in therapeutic effect, but the needling velocity is likely to have a certain effective reference range. A similar situation also exists in the selection of time parameters; too short- or too long-time settings may result in insufficient stimulation and acupuncture tolerance, respectively.
Critical Appraisal
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