Effects of high-voltage galvanic stimulation of ST36 and ST37 acupuncture points on peripheral blood flow and skin temperature. 1996

J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
State University of New York Health Science Center, Program in Physical Therapy, Brooklyn 11203-2098, USA.

In traditional Chinese medicine, ST36 and ST37 acupuncture points are commonly recommended to enhance peripheral blood circulation and digestive functions; however, there is a paucity of empirical data in support of the above recommendations. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of ST36 and ST37 acupuncture points on peripheral haemodynamic functions. Eleven healthy subjects (five men, six women; mean age 28 years), voluntarily participated in the study. A 2 (pulse frequency) x 3(time-frame) experimental design was employed. The subjects' ST36 and ST37 acupuncture points were stimulated, at sensory threshold intensity, with the high-voltage galvanic (HVG) current using two (5 Hz and 120 Hz) different pulse frequencies. Skin temperature and haemodynamic functions (cutaneous blood flow, microvascular volume and erythrocyte velocity), between the first and second metatarsals of the subjects' dominant foot were monitored every 2 min, for 10 min at rest, during 20 min HVG stimulation treatment and 10 min post-stimulation. The results of the repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed no significant F-ratio for pulse frequency and time-frame main effects for any of the dependent variables. Based on our findings we conclude that percutaneously applied HVG stimulation of ST36 and ST37 acupuncture points does not increase peripheral haemodynamic functions in asymptomatic subjects.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D012039 Regional Blood Flow The flow of BLOOD through or around an organ or region of the body. Blood Flow, Regional,Blood Flows, Regional,Flow, Regional Blood,Flows, Regional Blood,Regional Blood Flows
D005260 Female Females
D006439 Hemodynamics The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM. Hemodynamic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000704 Analysis of Variance A statistical technique that isolates and assesses the contributions of categorical independent variables to variation in the mean of a continuous dependent variable. ANOVA,Analysis, Variance,Variance Analysis,Analyses, Variance,Variance Analyses
D012867 Skin The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
D012881 Skin Temperature The TEMPERATURE at the outer surface of the body. Skin Temperatures,Temperature, Skin,Temperatures, Skin
D015671 Electroacupuncture A form of acupuncture with electrical impulses passing through the needles to stimulate NERVE TISSUE. It can be used for ANALGESIA; ANESTHESIA; REHABILITATION; and treatment for diseases.

Related Publications

J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
April 2004, European journal of pain (London, England),
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
October 1983, Physical therapy,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
January 1992, Ostomy/wound management,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
June 1992, Clinical science (London, England : 1979),
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
April 1988, Physical therapy,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
March 1998, Journal of dermatological science,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
February 2015, Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
March 2009, Journal of chiropractic medicine,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
July 1948, The Journal of clinical investigation,
J A Balogun, and S Tang, and Y He, and J M Hsieh, and J S Katz
July 1948, The Journal of clinical investigation,
Copied contents to your clipboard!