Objectives: To observe the impact of acupoint-catgut implantation on physical agility of athletes and to probe into its underlying mechanism.
Methods: A total of 68 volunteer athletes were recruited in the present study. Sixteen rowers of China National Women's Racing Boat Team (CNWRBT) underwent comparative observation between pre- and post-treatment with acupoint-catgut implantation. Fifty-two athletes from Zhejiang Heavy Athletics Events Team (HAET) and Sand-beach Volleyball Team (SBVT) were randomized into control (n = 26) and treatment (n = 26) groups which were treated with massage (20 mm, once daily for 1 year), and catgut implantation at Guanyuan (CV 4), Mingmen (GV 4), etc. (once every two weeks), respectively. In the later group, after 6 times of treatment, the catgut implantation was given once a month, continuously for 1 year. Serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin (Hb) levels were detected before, 1.5 mon, 3 mon, 6 mon and 12 mon after the treatment, respectively.
Results: 1) Compared with pre-treatment, the 2 000 m ergometer time was shortened significantly (P < 0.01), and serum testosterone and plasma hemoglobin (Hb) levels were increased evidently in 16 volunteer rowers of CNWRBT after 3 months' acupoint-catgut implantation treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). 2) In comparison with control group and pre-treatment, the midium- and long-distance running scores of the athletes of Zhejiang HAET and SBVT were elevated considerably (P < 0.01), serum testosterone and plasma Hb levels increased significantly (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Acupoint-catgut implantation can significantly improve the athletes' anti-fatigue exercise capacity, enhance their physical agility to elevate their athletics events score, which may be closely related to its effects in raising blood testosterone and hemoglobin levels.