Analysis of the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Acupoints Combined with Rehabilitation Training in The Treatment of Upper Limb Dysfunction After Stroke

Objective:To analyze the effect of combining transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)with rehabilitation training in patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke(ULDAS).Methods:A total of 130 ULDAS patients who were hospitalized and rehabilitated in Wuxi Xinwu District Rehabilitation Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into Group A(65 cases,rehabilitation training)and Group B(65 cases,rehabilitation training+TEAS).The effects of the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the upper limb functional indexes of Group B were better than those of Group A(P<0.05).The rate of muscle tone grades 0-4 in Group B was higher than those of Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:The function of upper limbs and muscle strength of ULDAS patients improved by combining TEAS with rehabilitation training.

Research on the Different Frequencies of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and promoting postpartum rehabilitation.Methods:From January to September 2022,300 patients with pelvic girdle pain after spontaneous delivery in a hospital in Shaanxi Province were selected and randomly divided into three groups,low frequency,high frequency,and alternating frequency,with 100 cases in each group.In addition to routine postpartum care and psychological counseling,the three groups received transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at low-frequency(2 Hz,)high-frequency(100 Hz),and alternating frequency(2/100 Hz),respectively.The differences in initial pain,pain scores before and after treatment,satisfaction with analgesic effect,and postpartum rehabilitation effect were evaluated among the three groups of patients.Results:There was a significant correlation between maternal age and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P<0.001),but no correlation was observed between newborn birth weight and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P>0.05).After 1d/2d of treatment,the pain scores and rehabilitation effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group and low-frequency group were significantly better than those in the high-frequency group,and the postpartum curative effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group was the best,followed by the low-frequency group,and the high-frequency group;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Among the three groups,the alternating-frequency group had the highest satisfaction with the analgesic effect and the highest rate of selecting the same analgesic regimen the next time;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion:Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at different frequencies is safe and effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and beneficial to postpartum rehabilitation.Sparse-dense wave stimulation is effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain.It has the best effect in promoting postpartum rehabilitation and the highest patient satisfaction.Therefore,its application in clinical practice is highly recommended.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in adult patients receiving gastrectomy/colorectal resection:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acupuncture promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and provides analgesia after major abdominal surgery.The effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)remain unclear.AIM To explore the potential effects of TEAS on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrectomy and colorectal resection.METHODS Patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colorectal resection were randomized at a 2:3:3:2 ratio to receive:(1)TEAS at maximum tolerable current for 30 min immediately prior to anesthesia induction and for the entire duration of surgery,plus two 30-min daily sessions for 3 consecutive days after surgery(perioperative TEAS group);(2)Preoperative and intraoperative TEAS only;(3)Preoperative and postoperative TEAS only;or(4)Sham stimulation.The primary outcome was the time from the end of surgery to the first bowel sound.RESULTS In total,441 patients were randomized;405 patients(58.4±10.2 years of age;247 males)received the planned surgery.The time to the first bowel sounds did not differ among the four groups(P=0.90;log-rank test).On postoperative day 1,the rest pain scores differed significantly among the four groups(P=0.04;Kruskal–Wallis test).Post hoc comparison using the Bonferroni test showed lower pain scores in the perioperative TEAS group(1.4±1.2)than in the sham sti-mulation group(1.7±1.1;P=0.04).Surgical complications did not differ among the four groups.CONCLUSION TEAS provided analgesic effects in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery,and it can be added to clinical practice as a means of accelerating postoperative rehabilitation of these patients.

Effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point on preventing postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia

BACKGROUND Anesthetic drugs used in labor analgesia also paralyze the bladder muscle by blocking the sacral plexus,thereby affecting maternal postpartum spontaneous urination and increasing the risk of postpartum urinary retention(PUR).AIM To analyze the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy for PUR prevention.METHODS We selected 182 pregnant women who received labor analgesia in obstetrics between June 2022 and December 2023.They were divided into the combined therapy group(transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy)and the control group(biofeedback therapy alone).The first spontaneous urination time,first postpartum urine volume,bladder residual urine volume,postpartum hemorrhage volume,pre-urination waiting time,PUR incidence,adverse reactions,and the intervention’s clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The first spontaneous urination time after delivery was more delayed(2.92±1.04 h vs 3.61±1.13 h,P<0.001),with fewer initial postpartum urine(163.54±24.67 mL vs 143.72±23.95 mL,P<0.001),more residual bladder urine(54.81±10.78 mL vs 65.25±13.52 mL,P<0.001),more postpartum bleeding(323.15±46.95 mL vs 348.12±45.03 mL,P=0.001),and longer waiting time for urination(0.94±0.31 min vs 1.29±0.42 min,P<0.001),in the control group than in the combined therapy group.The control group also had higher PUR incidence(4.65%vs 15.85%,P=0.016).Both groups had no adverse reactions,but the clinical total efficacy rate of the intervention was significantly higher in the combined therapy group than in the control group(95.35%vs 84.15%,P=0.016).CONCLUSION Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback can significantly promote postpartum micturition of parturients with labor analgesia,thereby effectively preventing PUR occurrence.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with palonosetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a single.blind,randomized, controlled trial

Background: Chemotherapy?induced nausea and vomiting adversely affects the quality of life of patients who receive chemotherapy via intravenous infusion or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE). This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) on nausea and vomiting after TACE.Methods: A total of 142 patients who received TACE with cisplatin for primary or metastatic liver cancer were assigned to the active?acupuncture(n = 72) or placebo?acupuncture(n Hegu(LI4), Neiguan(P6), an= 70) groups using a covariate?adaptive randomization at a ratio of 1:1. The acupointsd Zusanli(ST36) were stimulated twice daily for 6 days. The effects of TEAS on nausea and vomiting were assessed by using occurrence rate and severity of these symptoms. Anorexia scale and M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory(MDASI) scores were secondary endpoints and were used to assess the effect of TEAS on patient appetite and quality of life. The safety of the treatments was also monitored.Results: Between the two groups, the differences in occurrence rates and severities of nausea and vomiting after TACE were not significant(all P > 0.05). From the second day after TACE, anorexia scores were significantly lower in the active?acupuncture group than in the placebo?acupuncture group and continued to decrease over time with treat?ment(all P values less than 0.01). On days 0, 1, and 2, the mean MDASI scores for the active?acupuncture group were slightly lower than those for the placebo?acupuncture group, but the differences were not statistically significant(all P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the occurrence rate of any adverse event(P > 0.05).Conclusion: TEAS appears to be a safe and effective therapy to relieve patients' gastrointestinal discomfort after chemotherapy.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation during the Treatment of Painless Colonoscopy

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with propofol infusion during the treatment of patients under colonoscopy.Methods:A total of 90 patients received painless colonoscopy were randomly divided into three groups:transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with propofol group(group T),sufentanil combined with propofol group(group S)and propofol group(group P),with 30 cases in each group.The patients in group T were anesthetized with propofol after transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation of 30min at Hegu(LI4),Neiguan(PC6),Zusanli(ST36),Shangjuxu(ST37)and Sanyinjiao(SP6)on both sides,and the electrical stimulation lasted until the end of the operation.Group S and group P were pasted electrode slices at the same acupoint with group T,but no electrical stimulation was given.The other treatments were the same as those in group T.Group S was given sufentanil 0.1ug/kg at the beginning of anesthesia.The levels of blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)and pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)were continuously monitored at time points of entering operating room(T0),disappearance of eyelash reflex(T1),during operation(through the liver region T2)and immediately after operation(T3),and the total dosage of propofol,awakening time and incidence of adverse reactions in each group were recorded.Results:Compared with group P,the blood pressure and heart rate of the patients at T1 and T2 in group T were more stable(P<0.05),the awakening time after operation was significantly shorter(P<0.05),and the dosage of propofol was significantly lower than that in group P(P<0.05).The incidence of bradycardia,hypotension and respiratory depression decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with group S,the postoperative awakening time of group T was significantly shorter(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in other indexes.Conclusion:Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation is effective during the treatment of analgesia under colonoscopy.It can reduce the dosage of anesthetics,reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and shorten the awakening time of patients.

Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)for pre-operative anxiety:a prospective observational pilot investigation

Objective:Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)treatment is effective for post-operative anxiety.The investigation was designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of TAES treatment for pre-operative anxiety.Methods:62 volunteered surgical patients were included in the pilot investigation.They all received TAES treatment for 30 minutes in the evening of the day before operation.Hegu(LI4)and Neiguan(PC6)of both sides were selected as the treatment acupoints.The anxiety degrees were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.Heart rate and blood pressure were also recorded.Results:After TAES,pre-operative anxiety measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory dropped by almost 12%,and both heart rate and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly.Conclusion:The pilot investigation of TAES for pre-operative anxiety can successfully test the feasibility of outcome measurements and provide necessary data for calculating the sample size of a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation benefits postoperative pain relief of oocyte retrieval:A randomized controlled trial

Background Transvaginal oocyte retrieval is frequently followed by adverse events related to anesthesia and the procedure.Some research showed that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)can relieve intraoperative pain and postoperative nausea.Objective This study examined whether TEAS can alleviate pain and relieve adverse symptoms after oocyte retrieval.Design,setting,participants and interventions Altogether 128 patients were randomly divided into the TEAS group and the mock TEAS group.The two groups received a 30-minute-long TEAS or mock TEAS treatment that began 30 min after oocyte retrieval.Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the visual analog scale(VAS)pain score.Secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold,McGill score,pain rating index(PRI),present pain intensity(PPI),VAS stress score,VAS anxiety score,and postoperative adverse symptoms.Results The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable(P>0.05).The VAS pain scores of the TEAS group were lower than those of the mock TEAS group at 60 and 90 min after oocyte retrieval(P<0.05).The McGill score,PRI and PPI in the TEAS group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 60 min after oocyte retrieval(P<0.05).However,the two groups had equivalent beneficial effects regarding the negative emotions,such as nervousness and anxiety(P>0.05).The TEAS group was superior to the mock TEAS group for relieving postoperative adverse symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS treatment can relieve postoperative pain and postoperative adverse symptoms for patients undergoing oocyte retrieval.

基于光学相干断层扫描血管成像术探讨Eye-TEAS防治儿童近视疗效及作用机制

目的:基于光学相干断层扫描血管成像术(OCTA)探讨眼周经皮穴位电刺激仪(Eye-TEAS)防治儿童近视的疗效和机制。方法:纳入60名近视儿童,记录黄斑中心凹下脉络膜厚度(SFCT)等眼部各参数水平,并对各参数进行相关性分析;采用Eye-TEAS对受试者进行3个月的干预治疗,每天30 min,每周使用不低于5次。检测Eye-TEAS干预前、干预1次后、干预1个月后、干预3个月后受试者等效屈光度(SER)、眼轴长度(AL)、SFCT及黄斑区3 mm×3 mm面积内的脉络膜中大血管密度(CVD)、脉络膜毛细血管密度(CCVD)的变化情况。结果:58名近视儿童完成了干预及随访,在基线数据观察中,SER与SFCT、CCVD均呈显著正相关(P<0.01),AL与SER、SFCT、CVD、CCVD呈显著负相关(P<0.05或P<0.01)。相较于干预前,干预第1次后、1个月后、3个月后SER、AL均未发生显著变化(P>0.05)。干预第1次后SFCT与基线水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。干预1个月、3个月后SFCT与基线水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),其中干预1个月后SER变化和SFCT变化呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。在干预第1次、干预1个月后CVD较基线水平增加(P<0.05),但干预3个月后CVD与基线水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。相较于基线数据,干预1个月后和干预3个月后CCVD均显著升高(P<0.01)。结论:近视儿童SFCT、眼底微循环情况与AL、SER具有高度相关性;Eye-TEAS干预后SFCT显著增厚,CVD、CCVD也显著增加,这可能与Eye-TEAS通过影响脉络膜血流的变化减缓近视的进展有关。

五音配合TEAS疗法在乳腺肿瘤患者围术期焦虑紧张情绪方面的应用与研究

目的 探讨经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)联合五音疗法对乳腺良性肿瘤患者围术期焦虑的影响。方法 选取2023年1月至2023年7月河南中医药大学第一附属医院收治的160例乳腺良性肿瘤患者,以随机数字表法分成研究组(n=80,TEAS联合五音疗法)与对照组(n=80,TEAS),比较两组焦虑情况、术后恢复程度、疼痛程度、麻醉药物用量、不良反应。结果 术后1个月(T_(5))两组汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)评分均降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3 d(T_(4))两组术后恢复质量评估量表(PQRS)评分均低于术前30 min(T_(1)),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),研究组T_5时PQRS评分高于T_(1),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),研究组T_(4)、T_(5)时PQRS评分高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组术后6 h(T_2)、术后第1 d(T_(3))、T_(4)时痛觉模拟评分(VAS)均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼用量少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组不良反应发生率(6.25%)低于对照组(18.75%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 TEAS联合五音疗法应用于乳腺良性肿瘤患者围术期中,能够减轻患者焦虑情绪,促进术后恢复,缓解术后疼痛,减少术中麻醉药物用量,减少不良反应。

TEAS联合核心训练干预产后腹直肌分离及腰背痛的可行性

目的观察TEAS联合核心训练干预产后腹直肌分离与腰背痛的的可行性。方法选择2020年1月—2022年12月浙江中医药大学附属湖州中医院90例产后腰痛患者作为研究对象,对腹直肌分离程度与腰背疼痛评分进行Pearson相关性分析。将90例产后腰痛患者随机分成三组,分别为对照组、治疗1组、治疗2组,每组30例。对照组采用常规的产后自然恢复法;治疗1组在对照组的基础上加予核心训练,1次/d,5次/周,4周为1个疗程,连续1个疗程;治疗2组在治疗1组的基础上采用TEAS疗法,1次/d,5次/周,4周为1个疗程,连续1个疗程。治疗前及1个疗程结束后,评估腹直肌分离程度(IRD)、腰背疼痛症状(SF-MPQ)、身体质量指数(BMI),并观察治疗前后这些指标的变化。结果治疗结束后,各组IRD、SF-MPQ评分及BMI较治疗前明显下降,下降幅度以治疗2组最为明显,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。IRD与SF-MPQ评分之间呈正相关(r=0.320,P<0.05)。结论腹直肌分离与腰背痛具有相关性,TEAS联合核心训练干预可有效缩小产后腹直肌分离程度,减轻腰背疼痛,降低身体质量指数,该疗法具有临床可行性。

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined with Warm Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Related Upper Limb Lymphedema:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)combined with warm acupuncture in treating breast cancer associated with upper limb lymphedema(BCRL).Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using a paired control design.Fifty-two BCRL patients were assigned to the control group(27 cases)and the treatment group(25 cases).The patients in the control group were treated with lymphedema comprehensive detumescence treatment(CDT)for 4 weeks,including systematic therapy composed of manual lymphatic drainage,compression bandage,skincare,and functional exercise.The patients in the treatment group were treated with TEAS combined with warm acupuncture based on the control group methods.Each treatment lasted for 30 min and was applied twice a week for 4 weeks.The arm circumference(AC)of different positions of the affected limb and the degree of swelling of the affected limb were evaluated before the first treatment and after the last treatment.The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the degree of edema before and after treatment.All adverse events during treatment were recorded.Results The patients’AC and the swelling feeling of the affected limb in the treatment group and the control group were both reduced compared with those before treatment.Compared with the control group,AC of the wrist joint transverse stria,the midpoint between the wrist joint transverse stria and the elbow joint transverse stria in the treatment group were significantly reduced(P<0.05).The decrease in AC diameter at the midpoint between the elbow joint transverse stria and the axillary transverse stria was the most significant(P<0.01).The swelling degree of the affected limbs in the treatment group was significantly lower than before treatment,and was significantly lower compared with the control group after treatment(P<0.01).The total effective rate was 72%in the treatment group,significantly higher than that in the control group(55.56%,P<0.05).No serious adverse events occured in either group.Conclusions TEAS combined with warm acupuncture can effectively reduce AC and swelling feeling of the affected limb in patients with BCRL.The effect is better than that of CDT therapy alone.

Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)for menopausal insomnia and its effect on serum hormone levels

Objective:To explore the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)for menopausal insomnia.Methods:A total of 80 patients with menopausal insomnia were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 40 cases in each group.The patients in the control group received conventional Western medication treatment,and the patients in the observation group received TEAS on the basis of conventional Western medication treatment.The treatment for both groups lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)and modified Kupperman scale were evaluated,and the serum levels of estradiol(E2)and follicular stimulating hormone(FSH)were measured.The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);in the control group,the improvement of PSQI score was significant(P<0.05),while the change of modified Kupperman score was insignificant(P>0.05);the PSQI and Kupperman scores in the observation group were significantly improved after treatment(both P<0.05),and there were significant differences between the observation group and the control group in PSQI and Kupperman scores(both P<0.05).After treatment,the serum E2 and FSH levels in the control group were not statistically different from those before treatment(both P>0.05);the serum E2 level was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the FSH level was decreased(P<0.05)in the observation group after treatment,and the between-group differences in serum levels of E2 and FSH were significant(both P<0.05).Conclusion:TEAS plus conventional Western medication in treating menopausal insomnia is effective,and can significantly improve the symptoms of insomnia and menopause,which may be related to the regulation of serum E2 and FSH levels.

TEAS在肝脏缺血/再灌注过程中对肝功能及肝细胞形态学变化的影响

目的:探讨经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)在肝脏缺血/再灌注(I/R)过程中对肝功能生化指标、肝细胞形态学的影响。方法:将12只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、模型+假TEAS组、模型+TEAS组,每组3只。对照组仅行开腹不使用血管夹闭处理,模型组建立非致死性肝脏节段(70%)I/R模型,模型+假TEAS组使用安慰贴片取穴向外旁开5 mm,不实施任何电流刺激,模型+TEAS组以TEAS干预,实验过程中TEAS介入共3次。采用全自动生化分析仪及免疫组化技术测定各组大鼠血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、肝组织乙酰转移酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)等肝功能指标的变化,并对肝组织行苏木精-伊红(HE)染色,观察各组切片炎症细胞浸润情况。结果:模型组、模型+假TEAS组、模型+TEAS组大鼠的ALT、AST含量均高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);与模型组相比,模型+TEAS组大鼠的ALT、AST含量均明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。模型组、模型+假TEAS组、模型+TEAS组大鼠的GSH、CAT含量均低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);与模型组相比,模型+TEAS组大鼠的GSH、CAT含量均有不同程度的增高,但是各组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。HE染色显示模型+TEAS组的炎症细胞浸润情况明显好于模型组。结论:TEAS在肝脏I/R过程中能有效改善肝功能损伤情况,并能有效改善在肝脏I/R后肝细胞的形态学变化,起到肝保护作用。

不同穴位配伍TEAS联合全麻对腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者术后不良反应的影响

目的探讨不同穴位配伍经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)联合全麻对腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)患者术后胃肠功能及恶心呕吐的影响。方法将LC患者120例,将其按随机数字表法分为A组、B组、C组,各40例。A组采用常规全麻,B组采用常规全麻联合TEAS(内关、合谷),C组采用常规全麻联合TEAS(内关、合谷、足三里)。比较3组患者术中丙泊酚与瑞芬太尼用量、气管拔管时间、术后补救镇痛、胃肠激素水平及术后恶心呕吐分级情况。结果术后2、12、24 h,B组、C组疼痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分明显低于A组(P<0.05),且B组、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,B组、C组丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼用量、气管拔管时间及术后补救镇痛率明显低于A组(P<0.05),且B组、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后12 h,各组胃动素、胃泌素水平较术前明显降低(P<0.05),且B组、C组明显高于A组(P<0.05),C组明显高于B组(P<0.05);术后24 h,C组恶心呕吐分级情况明显优于A、B组(P<0.05),A组、B组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论TEAS可减少LC患者术中阿片类药物使用量,减轻患者术后疼痛;且内关、合谷、足三里穴配伍TEAS有助于改善LC患者胃肠功能及恶心呕吐情况。

Use of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in reproductive medicine:a group consensus

Abstract： With the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, various reproductive disorders have been effectively addressed. Acupuncture-like therapies, including electroacupuncture （EA） and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation （TEAS）, become more popular world-wide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that EA and TEAS are effective in treating gynecological disorders, especially infertility. This present paper describes how to select acupoints for the treatment of infertility from the view of theories of traditional Chinese medicine and how to determine critical parameters of electric pulses of ENTEAS based on results from animal and clinical studies. It summarizes the principles of clinical application of EA/rEAS in treating various kinds of reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, pain induced by oocyte retrieval, diminished ovarian reserve, embryo transfer, and oligosperrnia/ asthenospermia. The possible underlying mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effects of EA/TEAS in reproductive medicine are also examined.

经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)特定穴联合补肾益智活血汤对急性脑损伤患者认知功能、血清神经损伤标志物的影响

【目的】分析经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)特定穴联合补肾益智活血汤对急性脑损伤患者认知功能、血清神经损伤标志物的影响。【方法】通过便利抽样法,回顾性收集100例急性脑损伤患者,根据治疗方法的不同分为观察组和对照组,每组各50例。对照组给予常规西医治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上给予TEAS特定穴联合补肾益智活血汤治疗,疗程为3周。观察2组患者治疗前和治疗1周、2周、3周后格拉斯哥昏迷指数(GCS)评分、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)评分、血清神经损伤标志物水平及颅内动脉血流速度的变化情况,比较2组患者的临床疗效、脑血管痉挛(CVS)和不良反应发生率。【结果】(1)治疗3周后,观察组的总有效率为96.00%(48/50),对照组为76.00%(38/50),组间比较,观察组的疗效明显优于对照组(P<0.01)。(2)观察组治疗1周、2周、3周后和对照组治疗2周、3周后的GCS评分、MoCA评分均较治疗前升高(P<0.05),NIHSS评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组在治疗1周、2周、3周后对GCS评分、MoCA评分的升高幅度及对NIHSS评分的降低幅度均明显优于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(3)观察组治疗1周、2周、3周后和对照组治疗2周、3周后的血清神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、神经肽Y(NPY)水平均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组在治疗1周、2周、3周后对血清NSE、NPY水平的降低幅度均明显优于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(4)观察组治疗1周、2周、3周后和对照组治疗2周、3周后的椎动脉(VA)、基底动脉(BA)、大脑中动脉(MCV)血流速度均较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且观察组在治疗1周、2周、3周后对VA、BA、MCV血流速度的升高幅度均明显优于对照组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。(5)观察组的CVS发生率为2.00%(1/50),明显低于对照组的16.00%(8/50),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(6)观察组的不良反应发生率为4.00%(2/50),对照组为8.00%(4/50),组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。【结论】TEAS特定穴联合补肾益智活血汤可有效改善急性脑损伤患者神经功能和认知功能,减轻脑损伤与昏迷程度,降低CVS发生率,且联合治疗并未增加不良反应,具有一定的安全性。

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Acupoints Relieves Labor Pain:A Non-randomized Controlled Study

Objective：To investigate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation（TENS）on four specific acupuncture points Hegu（LI4）,Neiguan（PC6）,Danshu（BL19）and Weishu（BL21）for reducing pain in labor.Methods：A total of 160 voluntary nulliparous women who were willing to receive TENS for analgesia were assigned to the treatment group after cervical dilation of more than 2 cm.Another 145 matched nullipara were recruited as the control group.Visual analogue scale（VAS）was used to assess the pain before and 0.5 h after the application of TENS.Then,VAS was assessed every one hour until delivery.Percentage of VAS score decreased by〉25%was the primary outcome,the delivery mode and neonatal outcome were measured as secondary outcomes.Adverse reactions were also recorded during TENS.Results：The percentage of VAS score decreased by〉25%was 68.6%in the TENS treatment group.Maternal delivery mode and neonatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.In addition,the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in the TENS treatment group was less than the control group（P〈0.05）.There was no adverse reaction recorded with TENS on acupoints.Conclusion：As a novel and non-invasive approach,TENS on specific acupoints including Hegu（LI4）,Neiguan（PC6）,Danshu（BL19）and Weishu（BL21）was an effective method for analgesia in labor.

Perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for improving postoperative gastrointestinal function:A randomized controlled trial

Background:Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction(PGD)is one of the most common complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.Acupuncture has been used widely in gastrointestinal diseases due to its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature.Objective:This study evaluated the efficacy of using transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)during the surgery and postoperative recovery in patients with gastric and colorectal surgery for improving postoperative gastrointestinal function.Design,setting,participants and interventions:A total of 280 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were stratified by type of surgery(i.e.,gastric or colorectal surgery)and randomly allocated into the TEAS group(group T)or the sham group(group S).Patients in group T received TEAS at LI4,PC6,ST36 and ST37.Patients in group S received pseudo-TEAS at sham acupoints.The stimulation was given from 30 min before anesthesia until the end of surgery.The same treatment was performed at 9 am on the 1st,2nd and 3rd days after surgery,until the recovery of flatus in patients.Main outcome measures:The primary outcome was the time to the first bowel motion,as detected by auscultation.The secondary outcomes included the first flatus and ambulation time,changes of perioperative substance P(SP),incidence of PGD,postoperative pain,postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)and some economic indicators.Results:The time to first bowel motion,first flatus and first ambulation in group T was much shorter than that in group S(P<0.01).In patients undergoing colorectal surgery,the concentration of SP was lower in group T than in group S on the third day after the operation(P<0.05).The average incidence of PGD in all patients was 25%,and the frequency of PGD was significantly lower in group T than in group S(18.6%vs.31.4%,respectively;P<0.05).TEAS treatment(odds ratio=0.498;95%confidence interval:0.232–0.786)and type of surgery were relevant factors for the development of PGD.Postoperative pain score and PONV occurrence were significantly lower in group T(P<0.01).Postoperative hospitalization days and the resulting cost to patients were greatly reduced in the TEAS group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Perioperative TEAS was able to promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function,reduce the incidence of PGD and PONV.The concentration of SP was decreased by TEAS treatment,which indicates that the brain-gut axis may play a role in how TEAS regulates gastrointestinal function.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,Chi CTR1900023263.

Overview of reported transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation effects on pain mediators

Literatures on pain intervention with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)were collected by searching the databases both in Chinese and English,and summarized to understand the research progress of TEAS effects on pain mediators in recent years.This will provide a more objective and scientific theoretical basis for clinical practice of TEAS to treat pain syndrome,thus promoting the clinical application of TEAS.Our literature analysis indicated that TEAS effectively regulated the release levels of various pain factors such as prostaglandin,5-hydroxytryptamine,interleukins,substance P and tumor necrosis factor-αto achieve the analgesic effects by affecting the conduction pathways.TEAS is a safe,non-invasive and effective treatment for pain syndrome.However,further research is necessary due to the lack of rigor of the current clinical trial design.