Using multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the effect of cupping therapy on the spatial hemodynamic response of the biceps muscle: A preliminary study.

Abstract

The local hemodynamic response after cupping therapy has been considered as a contributing factor for improving muscle tissue health; however, the effects of cupping pressure and duration on the spatial hemodynamic response have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic response inside and outside the cupping cup under various pressures and durations of cupping therapy. A 3-way factorial design with repeated measures was used to investigate the main and interaction effects of the location (areas inside and outside the cup), pressure (-225 and -300 mmHg) and duration (5 and 10 min) on the hemodynamic response of the biceps muscle. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to assess hemodynamic changes in 18 participants. A significant three-way interaction of the location, pressure, and duration factors was observed in oxyhemoglobin (p= 0.023), deoxy-hemoglobin (p= 0.013), and blood volume (p= 0.013). A significant increase was observed in oxyhemoglobin, blood volume, and oxygenation compared to pre-cupping (p< 0.05) in the area outside the cup. Our findings indicate that an appropriate combination of cupping pressure and duration can effectively affect the spatial hemodynamic response of the biceps.