Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.5935/2595-0118.20180041
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Original Article

Influence of acupuncture on the pain perception threshold of muscles submitted to repetitive strain

Influência da acupuntura no limiar de percepção dolorosa de musculatura submetida a esforço repetitivo

Sandra Silvério-Lopes; Maria Paula Gonçalves da Mota

http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/2595-0118.20180041 BrJP, vol.1, n3, p.207-211, 2018
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Muscle pain is one of the causes of the leave of absence in physical activities, as well as limiting factor in sports performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early and late response to the pain perception threshold after acupuncture in a single application, in subjects submitted to repetitive strain.

METHODS: Clinical-experimental quantitative trial, with control group and blind, with 47 healthy women, aged between 18 and 55 years (36.3±10.6), divided deterministically by sequential alternation to the groups: acupuncture (GACP n=16), Sham (Gsham n=16) and control (CGRT n=15). The repetitive strain was performed in the Reformer equipment of the Pilates method, before and after the intervention, with 0,25x40mm needles. The GACP received the needling at point ST36 (Zusanli). The Gsham received superficial needling out of the acupuncture point, and the CGRT only performed the exercise. All patients had the needles for 20 minutes, except for the CGRT who remained only at rest. A digital pressure algometer was used at point BL57 (Chengshan). The algometry was conducted before the intervention and the exercise, immediately after, and after 24 hours.

RESULTS: The GACP showed a significant increase in the pain perception threshold when compared to Gsham (p =0.021) and to CGRT (p<0.001) and after 24 hours, with CGRT (p=0.006). The results were coherent with the acupuncture theoretical foundations, suggesting the release of opioid analgesics and applicability in the recovery of post-exercise sore muscles.

CONCLUSION: A single acupuncture intervention was able to increase the Pain Perception Threshold immediately and after 24 hours.

Keywords

Acupuncture, Algometry, Muscle pain, Pain perception threshold

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor muscular é uma das causas de afastamento de práticas de atividades físicas e fator limitante no desempenho desportivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta imediata e tardia do limiar de percepção dolorosa após estímulo de acupuntura em uma única aplicação, em sujeitos submetidos a esforço repetitivo.

MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico-experimental, quantitativo, com grupo controle e encoberto, 47 mulheres sadias, com idades entre 18 e 55 anos (36,3±10,6), separadas por alocação determinista por alternância sequencial em grupos: acupuntura (GACP n=16), Sham (Gsham n=16) e controle (GCRT n=15). Realizou-se o esforço repetitivo no equipamento Reformer do método Pilates, antes e após a intervenção com agulhas 0,25x40mm. O GACP recebeu agulhamento no ponto E36 (Zusanli). O Gsham agulhamento superficial, fora do ponto de estímulo de acupuntura e o GCRT só realizou o exercício. Todos permaneceram 20 min com agulhas e o GCRT só em repouso. Utilizou-se um algômetro de pressão digital no ponto B57 (Chengshan). A algometria foi realizada antes da intervenção e do exercício, imediatamente após, e após 24 horas.

RESULTADOS: O GACP teve aumento significativo do limiar de percepção dolorosa no momento imediato, quando comparado ao Gsham (p=0,021) e ao GCRT (p<0,001), e após 24 horas com o GCRT (p=0,006). Houve coerência dos resultados com as bases teóricas do estímulo da acupuntura, sugerindo liberação de opioides analgésicos e aplicabilidade em recuperação de dores musculares pós-exercícios.

CONCLUSÃO: Uma única intervenção de acupuntura foi capaz de aumentar o limiar de percepção dolorosa de imediato e após 24 horas.

Palavras-chave

Acupuntura, Algometria, Dor muscular, Limiar de percepção dolorosa

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Submitted date:
03/14/2018

Accepted date:
07/09/2018

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