Sokunbi G.1
1Bayero University, Kano, Physiotherapy, Kano, Nigeria
Background: It is possible that the cardiovascular response to acupuncture treatment might vary from one ethnic group to another. The response of cardiovascular parameters to acupuncture needle stimulation remains largely unknown among people of black African race.
Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the experience of apparently healthy adult Nigerians of acupuncture needle stimulation and the response of selected cardiovascular parameters to acupuncture at real acupuncture points (RAG) and sham acupuncture points (SAG).
Methods: Twenty-Six participants each was randomised into RAG and SAG and control group (CG). Standard acupuncture points; LI.4 (He Gu) and LI. 11 (Qu Chi) were used for RAG while points located halfway between the tip of the elbow and the axilla and halfway between the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the ulnar side of the wrist were used for SAG. Data were collected pre intervention, 15 minutes into acupuncture stimulation, post intervention and 15minutes post intervention.
Results: Changes in SBP, HR and RPP were statistically lower in RAG than SAG. Changes in DBP did not show significant difference between SAG and RAG (P >0.05). Participants reported heaviness, numbness, and increasing pain but no dizziness, fainting and/or life-threatening side effects was reported during and after the acupuncture needle stimulation.
Conclusion(s): Findings from this study showed that acupuncture needle stimulation at the acupoints relevant for cardiovascular disorders could be more effective in reducing SBP, HR and RPP than sham intervention among apparently healthy Nigerian adults.
Implications: The outcome of this study will contribute to knowledge as regards the response of cardiovascular parameters to acupuncture needle stimulation. Further studies in the form of large RCTs will be needed to validate this findings which might also influence the choice of acupuncture in the treatment of cardiovascular related impairments.
Funding acknowledgements: This study was partly supported by the staff of the physiotherapy department of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
Topic: Cardiorespiratory
Ethics approval: Research and Ethical Committee of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
