Influence on spinal neural function of acupuncture stimulation physical therapy at Chize during thenar muscle activity: examination of the inhibition technique

Abstract

This study examined the effect of acupuncture stimulation physical therapy (ASPT) with the inhibition technique on the excitability of the spinal neural function in healthy subjects with high muscle tonus. This study recruited 16 healthy subjects. In the ASPT group, ASPT with the inhibition technique was applied at LU5 (Chize) during left thenar muscle activity of 30% maximal voluntary contraction (ASPT trial). The F-waves were recorded in three trials: during rest (resting), during ASPT (ASPT), and after ASPT (post ASPT). For the control, F-waves were recorded without using ASPT (post no ASPT) in a similar way on a different day. The relative value of F-wave persistence significantly decreased in the post ASPT trial compared with the post no ASPT trial. ASPT with the inhibition technique at LU5 (Chize) inhibited the excitability of the spinal neural function in healthy subjects with high muscle tonus.