Effect of dry cupping therapy on microvascular reactivity assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy and vascular occlusion test in healthy volunteers

Background

The microcirculation of muscles can impact both athletic performance and outcomes of rehabilitation programs. Dry cupping therapy has gained popularity among athletes for its benefits in alleviating musculoskeletal impairments, pain, and skin diseases. It is believed that it increases the blood volume and enhances lymphatic uptake. However, there is lack of evidence. This study evaluates the tissue oxygen saturation with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during vascular occlusion test to reflect the effects of dry cupping on blood flow and microcirculatory reactivity which may influence musculoskeletal health.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers were included in the study. NIRS was used to assess the regional oxygen saturation (rSO₂). Vascular occlusion protocol had been done before and after cupping therapy (CT). During the test rSO₂, time to the lowest and highest values were recorded. Occlusion slope, recovery slope and first 10 s recovery slope were calculated.

Results

Maximum rSO₂ was statistically different at two different time points (p = 0.029). The time to reach the lowest rSO₂ value was extended, and the slope of occlusion was statistically decreased by CT (p = 0.01, p = 0.026). The Recovery slope of first 10 s was statistically different.

Conclusion

CT has advantageous effects on oxygen extraction, metabolic health, and microvascular system reactivity even at more distant locations from the cupping. These findings suggest that CT may provide significant benefits to athletic performance. However, given the complexity of the underlying mechanism, further studies are needed to confirm these effects under various clinical conditions.