[Design of warm-acupuncture technique training evaluation device]

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Warm-acupuncture is a therapeutic technique requiring precise manipulation.
• Standardized training methods for warm-acupuncture are lacking.
• Existing training lacks objective evaluation metrics for manipulation skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel teaching instrument for warm-acupuncture.
• To create a device capable of training and objectively evaluating warm-acupuncture manipulation.
• To promote standardization in clinical warm-acupuncture practice.

Main Methods:

• The instrument integrates principles of warm-acupuncture with mechanical design and microcomputer technology.
• Components include a universal acupoints simulator, vibration reset system, and circuit control system.
• Training capabilities encompass needle insertion at various angles and moxibustion application.

Main Results:

• The device provides objective feedback on needle point accuracy.
• Vibration testing assesses the stability of moxibustion components.
• Operation time is recorded and displayed for performance evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The developed instrument offers an objective approach to warm-acupuncture training and evaluation.
• This device can significantly contribute to standardizing manipulation techniques in clinical practice.
• The instrument facilitates skill acquisition and refinement for practitioners.