1
|
Huang Q, Wu C, Hou S, Yao K, Sun H, Wang Y, Chen Y, Law J, Yang M, Chan HY, Roy VAL, Zhao Y, Wang D, Song E, Yu X, Lao L, Sun Y, Li WJ. Mapping of Spatiotemporal Auricular Electrophysiological Signals Reveals Human Biometric Clusters. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2201404. [PMID: 36217916 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Underneath the ear skin there are rich vascular network and sensory nerve branches. Hence, the 3D mapping of auricular electrophysiological signals can provide new biomedical perspectives. However, it is still extremely challenging for current sensing techniques to cover the entire ultra-curved auricle. Here, a 3D graphene-based ear-conformable sensing device with embedded and distributed 3D electrodes for full-auricle physiological monitoring is reported. As a proof-of-concept, spatiotemporal auricular electrical skin resistance (AESR) mapping is demonstrated for the first time, and human subject-specific AESR distributions are observed. From the data of more than 30 ears (both right and left ears), the auricular region-specific AESR changes after cycling exercise are observed in 98% of the tests and are clustered into four groups via machine learning-based data analyses. Correlations of AESR with heart rate and blood pressure are also studied. This 3D electronic platform and AESR-based biometrical findings show promising biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Cong Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China.,Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Senlin Hou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Kuanming Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yufan Wang
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yikai Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Junhui Law
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Mingxiao Yang
- Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ho-Yin Chan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Vellaisamy A L Roy
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- School of Control Engineering, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, P. R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Enming Song
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Intelligent Optoelectronics and Perception, Institute of Optoelectronics, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Xinge Yu
- Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Lixing Lao
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Vienna, VA, 22182, USA
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Wen Jung Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China.,Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Matos LC, Machado JP, Monteiro FJ, Greten HJ. Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapeutics: An Overview of the Basics and Clinical Applications. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:257. [PMID: 33804485 PMCID: PMC8000828 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9030257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a systematic healthcare system developed from clinical experience based on a scientific model of regulation. TCM relies on unique theories and practices to treat diseases and enhance health. These practices include Chinese herbal medicine and dietetics, acupuncture and moxibustion, and other non-medication therapies such as Chinese bodywork or manual therapy, known as "Tuina", and traditional biofeedback exercises, known as "Qigong" and "Taijiquan". The integration of TCM in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures. Understanding the structural concepts of the TCM language makes possible the parallelism to Western physiology, and the inherent rational use of the reflex therapeutic systems, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and mental training involved, for example, in acupuncture and "Qigong". The results of TCM clinical trials and fundamental research on its nature and mechanisms have encouraged the development and application of well-designed research strategies such as double blinding in acupucture to overcome limitations and resistances in integrating these practices into the existing biomedical paradigms of the West. This review aims to overview some TCM theoretical concepts and the evidence-based clinical application of TCM's leading practices to create an easy-to-consult and condensed source of information, available for the healthcare community, facilitating the understanding and communication between conventional health professionals and TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- CBSIn—Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa, Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- CTEC—Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- CBSIn—Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa, Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Understanding Acupoint Sensitization: A Narrative Review on Phenomena, Potential Mechanism, and Clinical Application. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6064358. [PMID: 31485246 PMCID: PMC6710800 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6064358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupoints are considered a dynamic functional area, which can reflect the internal condition of the body. When the body is suffering from disease or injury, corresponding acupoints are believed to be activated and manifest in several sensitized forms, including expansion of the receptive field, pain sensitization, and heat sensitization. Such phenomena are believed to gradually disappear concomitantly with recovery from the disease. Acupoint states are therefore changeable according to health status, a phenomenon known as acupoint sensitization. This review aims to provide an overview of acupoint sensitization based on existing research results and determine priorities for future research. Systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to 18 July 2018. Current evidence from research findings to date indicate that acupoint sensitization is based on neurogenic inflammation and that stimulation of sensitized acupoints presents a potential trend of generating a better clinical effect when compared with stimulation of unsensitized points.
Collapse
|
4
|
Suen L, Wang W, Cheng KKY, Chua MCH, Yeung JWF, Koh WK, Yeung SKW, Ho JYS. Self-Administered Auricular Acupressure Integrated With a Smartphone App for Weight Reduction: Randomized Feasibility Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e14386. [PMID: 31144666 PMCID: PMC6658225 DOI: 10.2196/14386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a common global health problem and increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. Given the adverse effects of antiobesity agents and bariatric surgeries, the exploration of noninvasive and nonpharmacological complementary methods for weight reduction is warranted. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine whether self-administered auricular acupressure (AA) integrated with a smartphone app was more effective than using AA alone or the controls for weight reduction. METHODS This study is a 3-arm randomized waitlist-controlled feasibility trial. A total of 59 eligible participants were randomly divided into either group 1 (AA group, n=19), group 2 (AA plus smartphone app, n=19), or group 3 (waitlist control, n=21). A total of 6 reflective zones or acupoints for weight reduction were chosen. The smartphone app could send out daily messages to the subjects to remind them to perform self-pressing on the 6 ear acupoints. A "date picker" of the 8-week treatment course was used to enable the users to input the compliance of pressing and the number of bowel movement daily instead of using the booklet for recordings. The app also served as a reminder for the subjects regarding the dates for returning to the center for acupoint changing and assessments. Treatment was delivered 2 times a week, for 8 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the interactions among the groups before and after intervention. RESULTS Subjects in group 2 expressed that the smartphone app was useful (7.41 out of 10). The most popular features were the daily reminders for performing self-pressing (88%), the ear diagram indicating the locations and functions of the 6 ear points (71%), and ear pressing method demonstrated in the video scripts (47%). Nearly 90% of the participants completed the 8-week intervention, with a high satisfaction toward the overall arrangement (8.37 out of 10). The subjects in group 1 and 2 achieved better therapeutic effects in terms of body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and hip circumference and perceived more fullness before meals than the waitlist controls. Although no significant differences in the pairwise comparisons between the 2 groups were detected (P>.05), the decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat, visceral fat rating and leptin level, and increase in adiponectin level were notable in group 2 before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The high compliance rate and high satisfaction toward the trial arrangement indicate that AA can be used to achieve weight reduction and applied in future large-scale studies. AA integrated with the smartphone app has a more notable effect than using AA alone for weight reduction. Larger sample size should be considered in future trials to determine the causal relationship between treatment and effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03442712; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03442712 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78L2tO8Ql).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Suen
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Wenru Wang
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yoog Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenneth King Yip Cheng
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Matthew Chin Heng Chua
- Smart Health Leadership Centre, Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Wing Fai Yeung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Wai Kin Koh
- Smart Health Leadership Centre, Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon Kai Wang Yeung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Janice Yuen Shan Ho
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Comparison of Magnetic Auriculotherapy, Laser Auriculotherapy and Their Combination for Treatment of Insomnia in the Elderly: A Double-Blinded Randomised Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3651268. [PMID: 31239857 PMCID: PMC6556291 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3651268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Insomnia is common amongst the elderly. With the adverse effects of prolonged use of hypnotics, the exploration of noninvasive and nonpharmacological complementary methods for insomnia is warranted. Auriculotherapy (AT) is a therapeutic approach where specific points on the auricle are stimulated to manage various physiological disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the desirable treatment modality using AT to improve the sleep conditions of the elderly. Methods A three-arm double-blinded randomised trial was conducted on 145 eligible subjects. This study investigated three minimally invasive procedures, namely, laser auriculotherapy (LAT), magneto-auriculotherapy (MAT), and their combination. Seven auricular points were used. Treatment was performed three times a week, for six weeks. Subjects were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and follow-up after six weeks, three months, and six months. Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate interactions amongst the groups over time based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using SF-12, and PHQ-9 for depression status. Results The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable. Significant improvements were found in all of the subjective measures (PSQI, HRQOL, and PHQ-9) for individual groups over time. Improvements in the objective sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring were detected in subjects who received MAT procedures but not in those who received LAT. The combined MAT and LAT approach did not show any advantage over MAT. Conclusions The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable in subjective parameters but not by objective measures using actigraphic monitoring. Longer therapeutic course and more frequent administration of LAT may be considered in future trials to achieve the optimal treatment effect. Trial Registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02970695, registered May 2016.
Collapse
|