Analysis on Acupoint Selection and Combination for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treated with Acupuncture Based on...

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Neurology
• Data Science

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
• Acupuncture is explored as a complementary therapy for ALS.
• Understanding acupoint regularity can optimize treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore acupoint regularity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment.
• To identify frequently used and associated acupoints for ALS using data mining.
• To establish core acupoint prescriptions for ALS based on evidence.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of nine databases up to December 2021.
• Inclusion of clinical studies on acupuncture for ALS.
• Application of modular data mining: frequency, network, association rule, and cluster analysis.

Main Results:

• Forty-two studies included 141 acupoints; Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) were most frequent (67%).
• The large intestine meridian of hand Yangming was most involved; acupoints were mainly on lower limbs.
• Top combinations included Hegu-Quchi and Quchi-Zusanli; core prescriptions identified were Hegu, Zusanli, Quchi, and Jiaji (EX-B 2).

Conclusions:

• Hegu, Zusanli, Quchi, and Jiaji are identified as main acupoint prescriptions for ALS.
• The combination of Quchi, Hegu, Zusanli, and Sanyinjiao is recommended for priority use in ALS acupuncture.
• Data mining provides a scientific basis for optimizing acupuncture protocols in ALS management.