Rules of acupoint and parameter selection for electrostimulation in treatment of functional dyspepsia based on bibliometrics

Abstract

Objective

To analyze the electrostimulation parameters and acupoint prescriptions for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) based on bibliometric methods.

Methods

The relevant papers were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP) and China Biology Medicine disc(Sinomed), dated from January 1st, 2010 to May 31st, 2023. Inclusion criteria of studies: ① “functional dyspepsia” and electric stimulation involved in the title or abstract; and ② related to the assessment of electrostimulation therapy in clinical trials and experimental research for FD. Exclusion criteria of studies: ①duplication or failure to obtain full text; ② published in newspaper, presenting as research achievement, and review; ③nothing related to the acupoint selection; and ④nothing related to the parameters of electrostimulation. Using Excel 2019 and VOSviewer software, acupoint association and the parameters of electrostimulation were analyzed and graphed.

Results

A total of 181 eligible articles were screened. Statistical analysis revealed that the most frequently targeted acupoints for electrostimulation in functional dyspepsia (FD) were Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), and Neiguan (PC6), while the most commonly utilized auricular point was Erjia (CO, concha zone). The acupoint group demonstrating the strongest association consisted of ST36, LR3, Zhongwan (CV12), and PC6, which constituted the primary prescription for electrostimulation in FD. The optimal parameters for electrostimulation were identified as a disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2/100 Hz, and an intensity of 1 mA. The acupoints ST36, LR3, and PC6 are the most prevalent for electrostimulation in FD, with CO being the most common auricular point. The optimal electrostimulation parameters are a disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2/100 Hz, and an intensity of 1 mA.

Conclusion

The acupoints ST36, LR3, and PC6 are the most prevalent for electrostimulation in FD, with CO being the most common auricular point. The optimal electrostimulation parameters are a disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2/100 Hz, and an intensity of 1 mA.