Acupuncture & Strength Performance RESEARCH
- June 01, 2010
- Acupuncture,Pain Relief
Immediate effects of Acupuncture on Strength Performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial
A total of 33 recreational athletes (25.2 +/years; 13 women) were randomized to receive acupuncture, sham acupuncture (needling at non placebo) laser acupuncture (deactivated laser device) in a double fashion with 1 week between trials. Assessment included bipedal drop jumps for maximum rebound height and quadriceps maximum isometric voluntary force (MIVF).
The difference in the mean change in MIVF from baseline between acupuncture (46.6 N) and sham laser acupuncture (19.6 N) was statistically significant (p< 0.05).
The present study shows that a single acupuncture treatment was efficacious for improving isometric quadriceps strength in recreational athletes.
These results might have implications not only for athletic performance enhancement, but also for rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring neuromuscular function.
