Comparison of changes in blood circulation of patellar and Achilles tendons during and after acupuncture. Issue 6 (4th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kubo, Keitaro; Yajima, Hiroyoshi; Takayama, Miho; Takakura, Nobuari
• Is Part Of: Translational sports medicine. Volume 3:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 581
• Page End: 588
• Publication Date: 2020-08-04
• Subjects: blood volume -- needle -- oxygen saturation -- recovery; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2573-8488

Abstract

Abstract: We found acupuncture and heating increased blood circulation of Achilles tendon, which implies these treatments are useful to heal‐injured tendons. In addition, the heating‐induced change in blood circulation of patellar tendon was greater than that of Achilles tendon. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in blood circulation of patellar and Achilles tendons during and after acupuncture. Furthermore, we verified whether acupuncture‐induced changes in tendon blood circulation were related to those in autonomic nervous system. During acupuncture treatment and recovery period (40 minutes), blood volume (THb) of patellar and Achilles tendons was measured using red laser lights. In addition, heart rate and ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency components of heart rate variability (LF/HF ratio) were measured. THb of patellar tendon was significantly lower than that of Achilles tendon immediately after insertion of needle, latter half of acupuncture treatment, and recovery period. For both tendons, heart rate and LF/HF ratio did not change during experimental period. The results suggest that acupuncture‐induced changes in blood circulation of patellar tendon are markedly lower than that of Achilles tendon, although site difference in changes in tendon blood circulation is not related to those in autonomic nervous system assessed by heart rate variability.