Acupuncture in Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Acupuncture for multiple sclerosis: a case report.","authors":"Yannan Zhao, Dezhong Peng","doi":"10.1177/09645284261415901","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284261415901","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"117-119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146096746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture for the treatment of female bladder outlet obstruction: a case report.","authors":"Shenyi Huang, Weidong Yao, Li Wang","doi":"10.1177/09645284261421949","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284261421949","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"120-122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture pretreatment regulates mitophagy in ULK1 knockout mice subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.","authors":"Cheng Hu, Yudi Zhou, Sha Li, Yaomei Cui, Menglin He, Rong Zou, Chenlu Mao, Weiqian Tian","doi":"10.1177/09645284251414435","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251414435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment can alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and mitochondrial impairment. However, the potential protective mechanism associated with mitophagy has not been well elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EA on FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) and mitophagy in unc-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) knockout mice after cerebral I/R injury.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>EA pretreatment was conducted at GV20 and GV26 before ischemia for 30 min over 5 consecutive days in ULK1 knockout mice that underwent modeling of cerebral I/R injury. Neurological function of the mice was assessed using Longa neurological deficit scoring. The area of cerebral infarction was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining. Mitochondrial structural alterations were observed under transmission electron microscopy, while the mitochondria were stained using MitoTracker Green and the lysosomes were stained with Lyso Tracker Red. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by JC-1 staining, and alterations in autophagy-related protein or gene expression were examined using Western blot analysis, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>EA-pretreated mice exhibited significantly decreased neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volumes and edema compared with the untreated I/R group of mice. EA pretreatment also reversed I/R-induced mitochondrial structural abnormalities and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, EA pretreatment upregulated p-mTORC1 compared with no treatment. Protein and mRNA expression of ULK1, FUNDC1 and mTORC1 did not significantly differ between the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA pretreatment at GV20 and GV26 alleviated cerebral I/R injury and mitochondrial impairment in ULK1 knockout mice. Knockout of ULK1 did not completely eliminate the regulatory effect of EA.</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"80-89"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of needle selection on battlefield acupuncture tolerance and pain reduction: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Samuel J Burton, David A Moss, Paul F Crawford","doi":"10.1177/09645284251400386","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251400386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There has been limited research comparing the different types of needles used for auricular battlefield acupuncture (BFA). The aim of this exploratory study was to determine the feasibility of examining whether there are differences in needle tolerance and/or pain reduction between different needle types.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an unblinded, exploratory, randomized controlled trial in human subjects with complaints of acute or chronic pain. We randomized 30 patients to receive BFA with ASP needles, disposable needles of 15 mm length or Pyonex needles (n = 10 per group). Differences in Defense and Veteran Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) scores and needle tolerance questionnaire responses by treatment group and follow-up time point (baseline, 10 min, 24 h and 1 week) were assessed using random effects regression and ordinal logistics models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A difference in needle tolerance by treatment group was observed for pain at the site(s) of needling (p = 0.002), which was lower for 15-mm needles (odds ratio (OR) = 0.12, p = 0.005) than for ASP needles, but not significantly different for Pyonex versus ASP (OR = 1.45, p = 0.525). There were no difference in overall patient satisfaction, dizziness, bruising, fatigue or headaches between the three BFA needle groups (p = 0.190). No statistically significant associations were observed between treatment group and clinical characteristics (all p > 0.05). DVPRS scores significantly declined after treatment (interaction beta coefficient (β) = -1.40, p < 0.001) across all treatment groups. Declines were also observed post treatment for DVPRS questions 1 (β = -1.23, p = 0.003), 3 (β = -1.23, p < 0.002) and 4 (β = -1.10, p = 0.002). A decline over time after treatment was also observed for DVPRS question 1 (β = -0.15, p = 0.014), 3 (β = -0.12, 0.049) and 4 (β = -0.13, p = 0.016) but was not DVPRS overall score. No significant interactions by treatment group were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Testing BFA needle types against each other was feasible and the interventions were acceptable to subjects. Through a post hoc power calculation, this study provides a greater understanding of the number of patients that would be needed to more definitively assess for potential differences in effectiveness (pain reduction) between various types of needles in BFA.</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>NCT04464954 (ClinicalTrials.gov).</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"25-35"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145627773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modulatory mechanisms of electroacupuncture in fascial tissue repair: a pilot study using a rat model of thoracolumbar fasciitis.","authors":"Xiubing Tong, Debiao Yu, Jiayan Chen, Linyao Zheng, Yanping Fang, Jingyu Zhang, Tianyu Rao, Kezhi Liu, Jia Lin, Yu Kan, Yuye Lin, Chufan Zeng, Guojun Zhang, Xia Zhang, Xianghong Jing, Yuting Huang, Jun Liao","doi":"10.1177/09645284251410580","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251410580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Myofasciitis, a prevalent cause of musculoskeletal pain, is associated with thoracolumbar fascial changes. Acupuncture is effective for pain relief, but its role in fascial repair remains unclear. This study examined the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at BL23 (<i>Shenshu</i>) and BL40 (<i>Weizhong</i>) on fascial tissue repair in a rat model of thoracolumbar fasciitis (TLF).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study involved 42 six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats divided into control (<i>n</i> = 15) and modeling (<i>n</i> = 27) groups. TLF was induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant into the thoracolumbar fascia. Three rats in the control and modeling groups were used for model validation. The remaining 24 modeled rats were split into model and EA groups (<i>n</i> = 12 each). EA was administered at BL23 and BL40 to rats in the EA group for 20 min daily for 9 days. Assessments included skin pain sensitivity, musculoskeletal ultrasound, histological evaluation of fascial thickness, and measurement of inflammatory markers and fibroblast activity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>EA-treated rats showed significant improvements, including reduced mechanical pain sensitivity, decreased fascial thickness and lower expression of pro-inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β) and fibroblast activity markers (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, α-smooth muscle actin, and vimentin). There was also a favorable balance in extracellular matrix components (increased type I/III collagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1/tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 ratios), which was linked to reduced activity of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)2 pathway.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA at BL23 and BL40 reduces inflammation, inhibits fibroblast proliferation and activation, and promotes fascial repair, likely via modulation of the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. These findings support the therapeutic potential of EA for the treatment of myofasciitis, potentially aiding in chronic musculoskeletal pain management and fascial tissue repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"49-61"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dry needling versus magnesium sulfate iontophoresis of active trigger points of the axioscapular muscle in neck pain: a single blind randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Shimaa T Abu El Kasem, Engy B Moustafa, Alshaymaa S Abd El-Azeim","doi":"10.1177/09645284251410579","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251410579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) iontophoresis on pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck disability, pain intensity and muscle activity/amplitude in patients with upper-trapezius active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and neck pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty subjects with neck pain and cervical myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the upper trapezius muscles were randomly assigned into a DN group that received DN and stretching of all cervical muscles, an iontophoresis group that received MgSO4 iontophoresis and stretching of all cervical muscles or a control group C that received only stretching of all cervical muscles. The subjects received the treatment twice a week for 4 weeks. PPT, Arabic neck disability index (ANDI), pain intensity visual analogue scale (VAS) and cervical muscle amplitude (assessed by electromyography and expressed as a normalized root mean square (RMS)) were measured before and after completion of the treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the within-group analysis, there were statistically significant differences pre- versus post-treatment in all variables in both experimental groups (p < 0.05) but no significant differences in the control group with the single exception of pain intensity. In the between-group analysis post-treatment, there were statistically significant differences between all three groups. Compared with the iontophoresis group, the DN group showed significant improvements in VAS (mean difference (MD) -2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.84 to -1.36; p < 0.01), RMS (MD -1.32, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.85; p < 0.001), ANDI (MD -2.60, 95% CI -4.50 to -0.70; p = 0.004) and PPT (MD 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-1.95; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DN and MgSO4 iontophoresis both had positive effects on PPT, ANDI, VAS and muscle amplitude in the treatment of neck pain subjects with upper-trapezius MTrPs. DN had a superior effect than MgSO4 iontophoresis for all outcomes studied.</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"3-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture modulates myocardial insulin signaling and inflammatory markers in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.","authors":"Xiao-Xiao Liu, Hai-Hua Zhang, Jian Sun, Xiao-Zhuan Chen, Yang-Yang Ye, Jing-Yi Quan, Lu Zhang, Lin-Lin Nie, Min Li, Zhi-Xing Li","doi":"10.1177/09645284251399239","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251399239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on myocardial insulin resistance (IR) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an established model for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-four ZDF-Lepr^fa/fa rats were randomized to: (1) ZDF group (n = 8); (2) ZDF + PIO (pioglitazone) group (n = 8); and (3) ZDF + EA group (n = 8). An additional control group of eight healthy ZDF^+/fa rats was included (Lean group). We examined protein and mRNA expression levels of critical insulin signaling pathway intermediates including insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), as well as serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and C-reactive protein. Echocardiography and cardiac histology were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvements in glucose metabolism, reflected in reduced fasting insulin levels and fasting blood glucose levels, were demonstrated after EA and PIO treatment. EA treatment also led to a notable decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, there were marked improvements in myocardial structural integrity, as evidenced by histological analyses. Moreover, increased GLUT4 expression in myocardial tissue suggested improved insulin signaling, further supported by reductions in markers of myocardial injury such as serum troponin T type 2 (TNNT2) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA ameliorated myocardial IR in a rat model of T2DM and positively impacted TNNT2 and BNP levels, as well as phosphorylation status and mRNA expression of several genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway. Our findings underscore the potential of EA to modulate multiple therapeutic targets in the treatment of myocardial IR. If these effects can be replicated clinically, EA may represent a promising non-pharmacological option for the management of cardiometabolic risks associated with diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"36-48"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145647071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Consultation and Relational Empathy measure for acupuncturists: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Toshihiro Koyama, Noriyuki Takahashi, Takaharu Matsuhisa, Muneyoshi Aomatsu, Nobutaro Ban, Stewart W Mercer, Juichi Sato","doi":"10.1177/09645284251411843","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251411843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acupuncturists must treat their patients empathetically, as this influences the outcome of acupuncture treatment. While the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure is used globally to assess physician's empathy from the patient's perspective, to our knowledge, it has not been validated as a tool to assess acupuncturists' empathy with general patients.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the CARE measure to assess acupuncturist's empathy from the patient's perspective.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 22 acupuncturists participated in this study. Face validity was examined by the number of \"not applicable\" and missing items in the Japanese CARE measure. Construct (convergent) validity was evaluated based on the correlation between the Japanese CARE measure total score and overall treatment satisfaction. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Inter-rater reliability was examined based on generalizability theory. Principal component loadings were obtained using principal component analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 669 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate of 80.0%). The number of \"not applicable\" (0%-1.2%) and missing (0%-0.4%) responses were minimal, confirming face validity. The Japanese CARE measure total score and overall treatment satisfaction showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.719, p < 0.001), confirming construct (convergent) validity. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.979, confirming the reliability of internal consistency. To reliably estimate an acupuncturist's empathy, 24 patient ratings per acupuncturist were needed. One principal component was identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study confirms the validity and reliability of the Japanese CARE measure for acupuncturists. It is expected to be utilized in both clinical practice and research.</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"14-24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perioperative intradermal acupuncture reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting after cerebellopontine angle tumor resection: a randomized clinical trial including mechanistic insights.","authors":"Lingyun Lu, Xianhao Huang, Ci Liu, Xiaoyu Wang, Jianqin Lv","doi":"10.1177/09645284251399690","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251399690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intradermal acupuncture (IA) at PC6 on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following cerebellopontine angle tumor resection, and to investigate possible mechanisms of action.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventy patients scheduled for elective craniotomy were randomized into IA or sham IA (Sham) groups, with interventions applied 1 h before surgery and continued for 24 h postoperatively. Co-primary outcomes were the incidence of vomiting at 0-6 h and 6-24 h post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of nausea and pain intensity. Electrogastrography (EGG) and heart rate variability (HRV) were used to assess gastric activity and autonomic nerve function, respectively. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was also performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The incidence of vomiting at 6-24 h (but not 0-6 h) post-surgery was significantly lower in the IA group (12.1%) compared to the Sham group (36.4%; <i>p</i> = 0.022). IA significantly reduced the incidence of nausea at 0-6 h (48.5% vs 78.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.011) but not 6-24 h. HRV analysis showed a higher HF component in the IA group post-surgery. Metabolomic analyses revealed significant changes in multiple metabolites and pathways in serum and CSF.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IA stimulation at PC6 effectively reduced postoperative vomiting at 6-24 h following cerebellopontine angle tumor resection and may also reduce early nausea (at 0-6 h). The mechanisms of action underlying these effects potentially include modulation of vagus nerve activity and regulation of metabolic pathways.</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>ChiCTR2100049992 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"330-343"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145627751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture in postmenopausal women with overactive bladder: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel clinical trial.","authors":"Eun-Ji Noh, Su-Ji Choi, Dong-Il Kim, Eun-Young Nam, Chi-Yeon Lim, Jang-Kyung Park, Won-Suk Sung","doi":"10.1177/09645284251399237","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09645284251399237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common disease in menopausal women that can negatively affect a patient's quality of life and cause high stress levels. Despite several studies of the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) on OAB, to our knowledge, there has been no direct comparison between EA and MA for postmenopausal OAB in a single trial. The object of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EA at two frequencies (2 and 16 Hz) and MA for OAB in postmenopausal women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel clinical trial, 147 participants were allocated randomly to 16 Hz EA, 2 Hz EA or MA groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. All participants received EA or MA twice a week for 6 weeks at CV3, CV4, GV20 and bilateral KI3 and SP6. The EA groups also received electrical stimulation at 2 or 16 Hz at CV3/CV4 and KI3/SP6. A total of 140 participants completed 6 weeks of treatment with 16 Hz EA (n = 48), 2 Hz EA (n = 46) or MA (n = 46) and were followed-up after 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was the change in the number of micturitions per 24 hours (averaged over 3 days) from baseline to week 6. Secondary outcome measures included daytime and nocturnal micturitions per 24 h, total number of urinary urgency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes over 3 days, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) score.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The primary outcome did not significantly differ between groups (<i>p</i> = 0.160). Of all secondary outcomes, there was a significant difference only in total urinary urgency, which was reduced in 2 Hz EA versus MA groups (-9.9 ± 10.37 vs -4.3 ± 7.21, <i>p</i> = 0.012). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between groups. There were no serious adverse events reported during the treatment period. When symptoms were re-evaluated at week 10 (4 weeks post-treatment), most scores were similar to week 6 but there remained no significant differences between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There were no significant differences between 2 Hz EA, 16 Hz EA and MA for the treatment of OAB-related symptoms in postmenopausal women, except for a tentative finding that 2 Hz EA may reduce the number of urinary urgency episodes compared to MA (secondary outcome without correction for multiple testing).</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>KCT0003912 (Clinical Research Information Service).</p>","PeriodicalId":7257,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"316-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145585869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}