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[Application of shear wave elastography in acupuncture research]
Qiu-Fu Dai1, Jun-Hong Gao2, Lu Liu1
1Centre of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Beijing 100010, China.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Ultrasound-based shear wave elastography (SWE) quantifies soft tissue elasticity for real-time, non-invasive imaging. This technique shows promise in acupuncture research for acupoint location and treatment efficacy evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
- Acupuncture Research
Background:
- Ultrasound-based shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging elastic quantization imaging technique.
- SWE offers real-time, non-invasive, rapid imaging with high repeatability for soft tissue elastic property quantification.
- It has been applied to various tissues like thyroid, breast, prostate, and muscle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the application of SWE in acupuncture research.
- To highlight SWE's role in accurately locating acupoints.
- To discuss SWE's utility in evaluating acupuncture efficacy for musculofascial diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ultrasound-based shear wave elastography (SWE).
- Applying SWE for real-time, non-invasive elastic property measurement of soft tissues.
- Investigating SWE's application in acupuncture contexts.
Main Results:
- SWE accurately quantifies elastic properties of various soft tissues.
- SWE demonstrates potential in precise acupoint identification.
- SWE can aid in assessing the 'Deqi' sensation and acupuncture manipulation effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- SWE is a valuable tool for elastic imaging in clinical and experimental acupuncture research.
- SWE has extensive application prospects in acupuncture, particularly for musculofascial conditions.
- The technique supports accurate acupoint localization and efficacy evaluation in acupuncture.
