Effects of Moxibustion Stimulation on ST36 (Zusanli) Before Exercise on Respiratory Metabolism During Incremental Exercise

A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract

[Introduction] Moxibustion on ST36 (Zusanli) has been traditionally practiced and is expected to improve endurance capacity. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of moxibustion stimulation on ST36 before exercise on respiratory metabolism during incremental exercise.[Subjects and Methods] The study included 14 healthy adult males who provided informed consent. A randomized crossover design was employed, with a Moxa period and a Cont (control) period. During the Moxa period, three sessions of moxibustion stimulation (Takashima, Senefa Co.) were applied to bilateral ST36 daily for three consecutive days before the exercise. Incremental exercise loading was performed using a bicycle ergometer. Respiratory metabolism was evaluated at ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RC), and peak exercise (Peak). Oxidative stress markers, including the degree of oxidative stress (d-ROMs) and antioxidant potential (BAP), were also measured.[Results] During the Moxa period, significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in Peak exercise parameters compared to the Cont period, including time to exhaustion (Time), ventilation (V・E), workload (Watt), oxygen uptake (V・O2), carbon dioxide production (V・CO2), and oxygen uptake per body weight (V・O2/W). No significant differences in oxidative stress markers (d-ROMs and BAP) were observed between the two periods. However, within the Cont period, a significant increase (P <0.05) in d-ROMs was observed between pre- and post-exercise measurements.[Discussion] At peak, the Time during the Moxa period was prolonged by 5.8% compared to the Cont period, and V・O2/W increased by 4.7%. These results suggest that moxibustion stimulation enhanced aerobic energy metabolism, improved exercise tolerance, and increased overall endurance capacity. Enhancing antioxidant activity before exercise appears to be beneficial. Based on the oxidative stress dynamics observed within each period, it is suggested that moxibustion stimulation may have suppressed significant increases in oxidative stress before and after exercise, potentially contributing to improved endurance.