Immediate effect of acupuncture on lactate removal after exercise: A pilot study

Background

The recovery process is of utmost importance in activities where the athlete has to compete more than once a day during the competition. It is generally accepted that intense physical activity results in lactate production and the accumulation of lactate in exercising muscle is considered one of the main determining factors of fatigue.

Objective

The main goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the immediate effects of acupuncture on lactate removal after just one treatment session and to evaluate lactate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation behavior at 5, 30, and 60 min after exercise.

Methods

Four individuals were evaluated and were part of both the experimental group (real acupuncture) and the placebo group (sham acupuncture) and were tested at two distinct times with a one-week interval. Baseline values of lactate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured, and then the participants performed a warm-up and subsequently completed the Wingate test. The individuals were re-evaluated 5, 30, and 60 min after the Wingate test, and either real or sham acupuncture was applied after the test.

Results

After the intervention period, there was an increased ability to reduce or remove lactate after maximum effort. No significant differences were observed in heart rate or oxygen saturation. Conclusions: The results of this case study seem to suggest that acupuncture has a positive effect on lactate removal after intense physical exercise.