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Ng HP, Chong SY, Li YH, Goh TH, Pang KY, Pereira MJ, Huang CM. Objective Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation of Patients With Diabetes and Prediabetes: Protocol for a Nonrandomized, Exploratory, Observational Case-Control Study Using Digitalized Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Tools. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e56024. [PMID: 39265161 PMCID: PMC11429662 DOI: 10.2196/56024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes and prediabetes are diagnosed differentially by Western and Chinese medicine. While Western medicine uses objective laboratory analysis of biochemical parameters to define the severity of diabetes and prediabetes, Chinese medicine uses a comprehensive approach that integrates observation, inquiry, pulse palpation, and tongue diagnosis. The medical information collected is then categorized into different syndromes. However, traditional methods of pulse and tongue diagnoses used to determine syndrome differentiation are highly subjective and skill dependent. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the gap in conventional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic techniques for syndrome differentiation analysis using contemporary diagnostic devices. We devised a protocol for a nonrandomized, exploratory, observational case-control study with equal allocations in 5 arms to investigate the syndrome differentiation of diabetes and prediabetes. We hypothesize that the TCM syndrome differentiation of diabetes and prediabetes in the tropical climate may differ from that defined based on the Chinese demographic. We also speculate that the high-frequency spectral energy may reflect a difference in pulse wave intensity and density between the healthy and diabetes groups. METHODS A total of 250 eligible participants will be equally assigned to 1 of 5 arms (healthy or subhealthy, prediabetes, diabetes, prediabetes with hypertension and dyslipidemia, and diabetes with hypertension and dyslipidemia). Participants aged 21-75 years, of any sex or race, and have been diagnosed with diabetes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] of 7 mmol/L, or 2-hour plasma glucose [2hPG] of 11.1 mmol/L) or prediabetes (impaired FPG of 6.1-6.9 mmol/L, or impaired glucose tolerance with an 2hPG of 7.8-11 mmol/L) will be included. The Health Evaluation Questionnaire, Physical Activity Questionnaire, sugar intake assessment, Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire, radial pulse diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis will be performed in a single visit. ANOVA for continuous data and chi-square tests of independence will be used for categorical data assessments, with a level of P<.05 considered significant. RESULTS The recruitment is in progress. We anticipate that the study will conclude in June 2025. As of July 15, 2024, we have enrolled 140 individuals. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use contemporary TCM diagnostic instruments to map expert and empirical knowledge of TCM to its scientific equivalents for the purpose of evaluating the syndrome differentiation of diabetes. We designed this protocol with the exploratory goal to examine objectively the syndrome differentiation of patients with diabetes and those with prediabetes using TCM diagnostic technologies. The data collected and evaluated under standardized conditions using these contemporary diagnostic devices will exhibit a higher degree of stability, hence yielding dependable and unbiased results for syndrome differentiation. Thus, our findings may potentially increase the accuracy of identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and prediabetes through a system of targeted treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05563090; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05563090. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/56024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ping Ng
- Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu Yun Chong
- Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Huan Li
- Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tong Hwee Goh
- Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ka Yii Pang
- Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chin-Ming Huang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Song J, Choi JY, Lee BW, Eom D, Song CH. Visualizing a Cold Stress-Specific Pulse Wave in Traditional Pulse Diagnosis ('Tight Pulse') Correlated with Vascular Changes in the Radial Artery Induced by a Cold Pressor Trial. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2086. [PMID: 38610298 PMCID: PMC11014190 DOI: 10.3390/s24072086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Radial pulse diagnosis is the most common method to examine the human health state in Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). A cold stress-related suboptimal health state (subhealth) is often undetectable during routine medical examinations, however, it can be detected through the palpation of specific pulse waves, particularly a 'tight pulse', in TEAM. Therefore, this study examined a correlation between 'tight pulse' and vascular changes in the radial artery (RA) induced by a cold pressor trial (CPT). Twenty healthy subjects underwent sequentially control trial and CPT with room-temperature and ice-cold water, respectively, on the right forearm. The radial pulse and vascular changes were then examined on the left arm. The radial pulse scores for frequencies of 'tight pulse' with strong arterial tension increased after the CPT compared with the control trial. The pulse scores were reversely correlated with the RA thickness and volumes in ultrasonography, but not with changes in the systolic/diastolic blood pressure. The RA thickness-based vascular surface and three-dimensional images visualized a 'tight pulse' showing the vasoconstriction and bumpy-/rope-shaped vascular changes in the radial pulse diagnostic region after the CPT. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential integration of clinical radial pulse diagnosis with ultrasonography for cold-related subhealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichung Song
- Department of Medical History, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jae Young Choi
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea;
| | - Byung-Wook Lee
- Department of Medical Classics & History, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dongmyung Eom
- Department of Medical Classics, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chang-Hyun Song
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea
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Distal Acupoints Outperform Proximal Acupoints in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:4827123. [PMID: 34457022 PMCID: PMC8387169 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4827123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the difference in efficacy between distal and proximal acupoints in treating knee osteoarthritis. Design Ninety-two eligible participants were randomly assigned into three groups: distal acupoint treatment group (DG), proximal acupoint treatment group (PG), and sham acupuncture control group (SG). Primary and secondary outcomes were compared before and after the intervention. Interventions. A single acupuncture treatment was applied at Quchi (LI11), Shaohai (HT3), and Tianjing (TE10) in DG participants; Yanglingquan (GB34), Yinlingquan (SP9), and Heding (EX-LE2) in PG participants; and Zhongwan (CV12) and Liangmen (ST21) in SG participants. Main outcome measures. The visual analog scale (VAS) and active and passive knee range of motion (ROM) were used primarily to evaluate the treatment efficacy. The radial pulse diagnosis was used as a secondary outcome measure to determine the changes in the spectral energy of the radial pulses. Results The three groups had significant pain reduction after acupuncture (p < 0.05). DG had the greatest difference in pre- and post-VAS scores. Compared with the control group, significant improvement was observed in DG active and passive ROM and in PG passive ROM (p < 0.05). The high-frequency spectral energy of the left chi pulse in PG was significantly decreased, while the low-frequency spectral energy of the left cun pulse in PG and the left guan pulse in DG were significantly increased after acupuncture. Conclusions Distal acupoints provide better pain relief and improve ROM than proximal acupoints in treating knee osteoarthritis. Significant changes in spectral energy were observed in the left cun, guan, and chi pulses, indicating pain relief and blood flow improvement after acupuncture.
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Kung YY, Kuo TBJ, Lai CT, Shen YC, Su YC, Yang CCH. Disclosure of suboptimal health status through traditional Chinese medicine-based body constitution and pulse patterns. Complement Ther Med 2020; 56:102607. [PMID: 33220452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a dynamic state wherein people have not been diagnosed with a disease but tend to develop diseases. People with SHS often experience fatigue and other nonspecific symptoms, which are related to a deviated body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the correlation between TCM constitution and SHS has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, no study has explored the radial pulse analysis-an assistive objective indicator of TCM constitution-in healthy people and people with SHS. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS/LOCATION Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. SUBJECTS Sixty-six adults (27 healthy participants and 39 participants with SHS) who were aged 20-39 years. OUTCOME MEASURES The body constitution questionnaire (BCQ) scores, suboptimal health status questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) scores, and radial pulse waves detected using sphygmography were recorded. Pulse wave analyses are presented as the ratio of frequency below 10 Hz to that above 10 Hz (SER10), which represent energy changes in organ blood flow. RESULTS Participants with SHS had significantly higher Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores of BCQ compared with healthy participants. The SHSQ-25 scores of the participants with SHS were moderately correlated with their Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and stasis scores (r = 0.65, 0.66, and 0.72, respectively; all p < 0.001), but weak correlations were discovered for healthy participants. The participants with SHS had significantly higher SER10 at the left guan (the "liver" system in TCM) than did the healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS SHS is moderately correlated with TCM-based constitution and those with SHS had increased SER10 at the leftguan of the radial pulse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ying Kung
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Terry B J Kuo
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Sleep Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chun-Ting Lai
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Sleep Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yuh-Chiang Shen
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yi-Chang Su
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Cheryl C H Yang
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Sleep Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Colectomy influences the radial pulse parameters of traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Huang CJ, Lin HJ, Liao WL, Ceurvels W, Su SY. Diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine constitution by integrating indices of tongue, acoustic sound, and pulse. Eur J Integr Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Lee BJ, Jeon YJ, Bae JH, Yim MH, Kim JY. Gender differences in arterial pulse wave and anatomical properties in healthy Korean adults. Eur J Integr Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bae JH, Ku B, Jeon YJ, Kim H, Kim J, Lee H, Kim JY, Kim JU. Radial Pulse and Electrocardiography Modulation by Mild Thermal Stresses Applied to Feet: An Exploratory Study with Randomized, Crossover Design. Chin J Integr Med 2017; 26:299-306. [PMID: 29150789 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2972-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes in radial pulse induced by thermal stresses (TSs). METHODS Sixty subjects were enrolled. Using an open-label, 2×2 crossover randomization design, both feet of each subject were immersed in 15 °C water for cold stress (CS) and in 40 °C water for heat stress (HS) for 5 min each. Radial pulse, respiration and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were recorded before, during and immediately after the TSs. RESULTS The analysis of heart rate variability revealed that CS increased the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components (P <0.05) and that HS reduced the LF and HF components (P <0.01). Both TSs reduced the normalized LF, increased the normalized HF, and reduced the LF/HF ratio. The differences in the ECG signals were more dominant during the TS sessions, but those in the radial pulse signals became more dominant immediately after the TS sessions. CS decreased the pulse depth (P <0.01) and increased the radial augmentation index (P <0.1), and HS increased the pulse pressure (P <0.1) and subendocardial viability ratio (P <0.01). There were no significant differences in pulse rate during the three time sequences of each TS. The respiration rate was increased (P <0.1), and the pulse rate per respiration (P/R ratio) was significantly decreased (P <0.05) with CS. The HF region (10-30 Hz) of the pulse spectral density was suppressed during both TSs. CONCLUSIONS CS induced vasoconstriction and sympathetic reactions, and HS induced vasodilation and parasympathetic reactions. Based on definitions used in pulse diagnosis, we made the novel discoveries that the pulse became slower (decreased P/R ratio), more floating and tenser under CS and that the HF region of the spectral power decreased significantly under both TSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang-Han Bae
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Boncho Ku
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ju Jeon
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunho Kim
- Department of Biofunctional Medicine and Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Haebeom Lee
- Department of Human Informatics of Korean Medicine, Interdisciplinary Programs, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Yeol Kim
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeuk U Kim
- Korean Medicine Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea.
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Lee BJ, Jeon YJ, Kim JY. Association of obesity with anatomical and physical indices related to the radial artery in Korean adults. Eur J Integr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Luo CH, Chung CY. Non-invasive holistic health measurements using pulse diagnosis: II. Exploring TCM clinical holistic diagnosis using an ingestion test. Eur J Integr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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An objective review of the technological developments for radial pulse diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Eur J Integr Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Regression analysis of radial artery pulse palpation as a potential tool for traditional Chinese medicine training education. Complement Ther Med 2013; 21:649-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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New assessment model of pulse depth based on sensor displacement in pulse diagnostic devices. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:938641. [PMID: 24191173 PMCID: PMC3804036 DOI: 10.1155/2013/938641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An accurate assessment of the pulse depth in pulse diagnosis is vital to determine the floating and sunken pulse qualities (PQs), which are two of the four most basic PQs. In this work, we proposed a novel model of assessing the pulse depth based on sensor displacement (SD) normal to the skin surface and compared this model with two previous models which assessed the pulse depth using contact pressure (CP). In contrast to conventional stepwise CP variation tonometry, we applied a continuously evolving tonometric mechanism at a constant velocity and defined the pulse depth index as the optimal SD where the largest pulse amplitude was observed. By calculating the pulse depth index for 18 volunteers, we showed that the pulse was deepest at Cheok (significance level: P < 0.01), while no significant difference was found between Chon and Gwan. In contrast, the two CP-based models estimated that the pulse was shallowest at Gwan (P < 0.05). For the repeated measures, the new SD-based model showed a smaller coefficient of variation (CV ≈ 7.6%) than the two CP-based models (CV ≈ 13.5% and 12.3%, resp.). The SD-based pulse depth assessment is not sensitive to the complex geometry around the palpation locations and temperature variation of contact sensors, which allows cost-effective sensor technology.
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Huang CM, Chang HC, Li TC, Chen CC, Liao YT, Kao ST. Acupuncture Effects on the Pulse Spectrum of Radial Pressure Pulse in Dyspepsia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:443-54. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study is to investigate the influences of acupuncture for dyspepsia on the Radial Pressure Pulse (RPP) between the Chun, Guan and Chy positions of the right/left wrist. Two series of experiments were designed; for the first series, 30 patients with dyspepsia (Group P) and 30 normal subjects (Group N) were seated to undergo the measurements of pulse pressure waveforms from radial artery by sphygmograph. The parameters of RPP included the spectral energy of 0–10 Hz (SE0–10Hz), 10–50 Hz (SE10–50Hz) and 13–50 Hz (SE13–50Hz). For the second series, acupuncture was administered at the right and left Tsu San Li (St-36) points for the same 30 dyspepsia patients, and then their pulse pressure waveforms were re-examined. The results showed that the SE0–10Hz at Right Guan (RB) (p < 0.05), the SE10–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01), and the SE13–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01) and Left Guan (LB) (p < 0.05) of Group P were significantly greater than that of Group N. After the acupuncture, there were significant decreases in the SE0–10Hz only at RB (p < 0.01), in the SE10–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01), Right Chy (RC) (p < 0.05) and LB (p < 0.05), and in the SE13–50Hz RB (p < 0.01), RC (p < 0.05) and LB (p < 0.01). We concluded that the pulse-frequency spectrum at RB was a more effective characteristic for dyspepsia patients, and the acupuncture had an effect on SE10–50Hz and SE13–50Hz more obviously than that on SE0–10Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Ming Huang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Cheh Chang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Chung Li
- Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia Chung Chen
- Department of Bio-industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National ChungHsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Tzu Liao
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shung-Te Kao
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Chen FJ, Wang HS, Huang CY, Chen YS. Pulse Analysis in Bipolar Disordered and Nonpsychotic Human Subjects. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:455-65. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The research literature indicates that patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) differ from healthy individuals in various ways that are also recognized in traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the pulse spectra in BPD patients to determine any differences from nonpsychotic healthy individuals. Sphygmography was used to measure the radial arterial pulse waves in all subjects. We analyzed the original waveforms and then transformed them into frequency spectra via Fourier transformation. The relative strength of each harmonic, believed to be connected to meridians in Chinese medicine, was identified from the frequency, and we compared the differences among the harmonics. A total of sixty individuals, thirty with BPD and thirty nonpsychotic healthy controls, participated in the study. The harmonic values of C4 (Lung Meridian) on the right hand, 401.33 ± 50.10 vs. 762.44 ± 125.17, were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the BPD group and the nonpsychotic healthy group. The harmonic percentage of C3 (Spleen Meridian) on the right hand, 7.85 ± 0.59% vs. 10.79 ± 1.01%, and C4 (Lung Meridian), 1.80 ± 0.15 vs. 3.24 ± 0.43, was significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups. The results were similar for the right and left hands. In this study, we objectively detected constitutional differences between BPD patients and healthy controls through arterial pulse analysis. The pulse spectrum analyzer is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used to integrate scientific technology with traditional Chinese medicine. We plan further study in this field to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fun-Jou Chen
- Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Song Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang-Hua Hospital Department of Executive Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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