[Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on lung function and risks of exacerbation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
摘要
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on lung function, clinical symptoms, exercise tolerance and risk of acute exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A total of 49 outpatients with COPD were randomly divided into TEAS group and control group by using a digital table. The clinical trials were conducted by using randomized, single-blinded and placebo-controlled method. Patients in the TEAS group were treated by TEAS of Feishu (BL13), Dingchuan (EX-B1), Zusanli (ST36) and Pishu (BL20) for 40 min, once every other day for 4 weeks, while patients in the control group were treated with placebo TEAS which the electrode plates were adhered to the same acupoints but without electrical current outputs. The treatment was conducted every 3 months in one year. In addition, patients of the two groups had no restriction on their original treatment with conventional western medicines and Chinese Materia medica. The lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted，FEV1%, forced vital capacity predicted，FVC%) was detected using a spirometer), clinical symptom scores （CAT） for coughing, phlegm, chest tightness, climbing, family activities, out-door activities, sleeping and energy status were given. The patient's exercise tolerance was assessed using walking distance in 6 min, and the risks of acute exacerbation (times of exacerbation and hospitalization in 1 year) were recorded. RESULTS: >0.05). CONCLUSION: TEAS can improve the lung function, clinical symptoms, exercise tolerance, and reduce the risks of acute exacerbation in patients with COPD.