The effects of cupping therapy on reducing fatigue of upper extremity muscles—a pilot study

Chien Liang Chen, Chi Wen Lung, Yih Kuen Jan, Ben Yi Liau, Jing Shia Tang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the cupping therapy on the muscles and autonomic nervous system. Five healthy participants were recruited for the arm cranking tests. The protocols include a 1st 12-min bout, 20-min recovery, and 2nd 12-min bout. The cupping therapy (negative pressure of 300–450 mmHg on the upper back and shoulder muscles) was applied during the recovery period of experimental trials. The median frequency (MDF) of electromyographic signals and the heart rate variability (HRV) were used to objectively quantify the degree of muscle fatigue and cardiovascular regulations. The repeated measures ANOVA was applied to determine the differences. Our results showed that MDF was significantly higher in the experimental trials but the HRV was not significantly different between the experimental and control trials. Our study indicates that the role of cupping therapy may reduce muscle fatigue but do not alter the cardiorespiratory controls.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Human Factors in Sports, Injury Prevention and Outdoor Recreation - Proceedings of the AHFE 2017 International Conference on Human Factors in Sports, Injury Prevention and Outdoor Recreation, 2017
EditorsTareq Ahram
PublisherSpringer
Pages73-83
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9783319608211
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
EventAHFE 2017 International Conference on Human Factors in Sports, Injury Prevention and Outdoor Recreation, 2017 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Jul 17 2017Jul 21 2017

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume603
ISSN (Print)2194-5357

Other

OtherAHFE 2017 International Conference on Human Factors in Sports, Injury Prevention and Outdoor Recreation, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period7/17/177/21/17

Keywords

  • Dry cupping
  • Electromyogram
  • Fatigue recovery
  • Heart rate variability
  • Oxygen consumption
  • Rating of perceived exertion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • General Computer Science

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