Effect of Acupuncture on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim. To summarize all relevant trials and critically evaluate the effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability (HRV). Method. This was a systematic review with meta-analysis. Keyword search was conducted in 7 databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data extraction and risk of bias were done. Results. Fourteen included studies showed a decreasing effect of acupuncture on low frequency (LF) and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) of HRV for nonhealthy subjects and on normalized low frequency (LF norm) for healthy subjects. The overall effect was in favour of the sham/control group for high frequency (HF) in nonhealthy subjects and for normalized high frequency (HF norm) in healthy subjects. Significant decreasing effect on HF and LF/HF ratio of HRV when acupuncture was performed on ST36 among healthy subjects and PC6 among both healthy and nonhealthy subjects, respectively. Discussion. This study partially supports the possible effect of acupuncture in modulating the LF of HRV in both healthy and nonhealthy subjects, while previous review reported that acupuncture did not have any convincing effect on HRV in healthy subjects. More published work is needed in this area to determine if HRV can be an indicator of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.

Laser Acupuncture for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Animal studies suggest that auricular acupuncture activates g-aminobutyric acid receptors, which reduces symptoms of morphine withdrawal, 16 and there is support for the hypothesis that opioid release stimulated by acupuncture helps to restore the release of dopamine. 17 In particular, auricular acupuncture potentially modifies autonomic dysfunction by increasing parasympathetic activity 18 and reduces sympathetic hyperactivity, 19 and stimulation of the liver 3 acupuncture point (LR 3; Tai Chong) activates several cortical and subcortical regions responsible for acute and chronic pain. 20 Recently, acupuncture treatment has been described as effective and safe in children 21 and newborns.…”

Acupuncture and Moxibustion have Different Effects on Fatigue by Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Although the current study did not show this type of results, the tendency showed a parallel to this previous work. Acupuncture modulation of HRV has been proven by a meta-analysis, which suggested that the LF but not the HF component could be modulated25. Thus, acupuncture can modulate the ANS by activating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.…”

“…Acupuncture has been shown to influence the central nervous system21 and the functional status of the ANS in humans2223 and laboratory animals24. Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in modulating HRV, although there was not sufficient evidence to determine if HRV could be an indicator of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture25.…”

Einfluss des therapeutischen Qi auf die Herzratenvariabilität bei Akupunktur: Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie

“…Für die Akupunkturforschung gewann die Analyse der Herzratenvariabilität (HRV) in den letzten Jahren zunehmend an Bedeutung [1]. Das menschliche Herz schlägt in einem variablen Rhythmus, der primär vom vegetativen Nervensystem vorgegeben wird.…”

“…In einem kürzlich publizierten Review zu Akupunktur und HRV [1] zeigten 14 Studien homogene Resultate, mit einer durchgehenden Erhöhung der hohen Frequenzanteile (HF) und einer Senkung des Verhältnisses zwischen niedrigen- und hohen Frequenzanteilen (LF:HF), sowohl bei Kranken wie auch bei Gesunden. Doch nicht bei allen Studien kam es zu den gleichen Resultaten.…”