Cutaneous electrical stimulation of acupuncture points may enhance gastric myoelectrical regularity.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cutaneous electrical stimulation has been reported to be as effective as electroacupuncture. The aim of this study was to test whether cutaneous electrical stimulation had the same effect as electroacupuncture to enhance the regularity of myoelectrical activity.
METHODS: Fifteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled for this study. Electrogastrography (EGG) was performed for 30 min at the baseline, 30 min during electroacupuncture or cutaneous electrical stimulation, and for an additional 30 min thereafter.
RESULTS: During 3 Hz of electroacupuncture on the Zusanli point, there was a significant increase in the percentage of normal frequency. The percentage of normal frequency in the post-acupuncture period was also increased, but it was not statistically significant when compared to the baseline. There was a significant decrease in the tachygastric and bradygastric rhythm during electroacupuncture on the Zusanli points. There were similar changes of EGG parameters with cutaneous electrical stimulation on the Zusanli points. The percentage of normal frequency during cutaneous electrical stimulation increased significantly. However, the percentage of normal frequency in the post-cutaneous electrical stimulation period was similar to the baseline. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of tachygastric rhythm during cutaneous electrical stimulation on the Zusanli points. However, there was no significant change in the percentage of bradygastric rhythm during and after the cutaneous electrical stimulation periods.
CONCLUSIONS: The effect of cutaneous electrical stimulation on the percentage of normal frequency and tachygastria is similar to electroacupuncture. Nonetheless, the changes of the percentage in bradygastria are not significant. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel