Electroacupuncture Reduces Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion During a Bike Test: A Preliminary Analysis

Emily Gaudet, Tristan Castonguay (), Maryse Fortin and Geoffrey Dover
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Emily Gaudet: Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
Tristan Castonguay: Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
Maryse Fortin: Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
Geoffrey Dover: Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Preliminary research suggests that acupuncture can improve cardiovascular function. The purpose of our study was to determine if electroacupuncture can improve performance and post-exercise recovery. Methods: Thirty-two healthy people participated in this study (14 men and 18 women, aged 23.6 ± 3.5 years). The first visit included baseline measurements. Then, the participants received daily electroacupuncture at acupuncture point PC6 for a week, followed by a second visit. Heart rate, perceived exertion, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before, during, and after a YMCA submaximal bike test. Results: The heart rate was significantly reduced during the final stage of the YMCA test (151.3 ± 7.0 to 146.7 ± 11.8; p = 0.013) on the second visit. The rate of perceived exertion was significantly lower during all stages in Visit 2 (average RPE Visit 2 = 10.71 ± 2.02; average RPE Visit 1 = 11.45 ± 1.98; p = 0.004). Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased during the 5 min post-test recovery (SBP Visit 2 = 116.9 ± 12.0; SBP Visit 1 = 145.7 ± 14.6, p < 0.05). Conclusions: A week of electroacupuncture at PC6 led to reduced heart rate and perceived exertion during exercise, making the workload feel less strenuous. Electroacupuncture at PC6 shows potential for increasing participation in physical activities by making them feel easier to accomplish.

Keywords: electroacupuncture; physical activity; weight loss; cardiovascular benefits; aerobic fitness; exercise recovery; blood pressure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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