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Data Mining-Based Analysis of Acupoint Selection Patterns in Acupuncture Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Zehao Zheng1, Juanjuan Feng1, Yang Li1
1Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) poses a significant global health burden, with lifetime prevalence rates reaching 40%. While acupuncture is widely used for LDH, the heterogeneity in acupoint selection hinders the standardization of treatment protocols. This study aimed to systematically screen clinical literature and utilize data mining techniques to identify core acupoint combinations and therapeutic strategies for LDH.
Methods:
A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across seven electronic databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) from inception to January 2025. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2023. Association rule mining was performed via R Studio (v4.3.0, arules package) using the Apriori algorithm (support ≥ 0.07, confidence ≥ 0.6). Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted in SPSS Statistics (v26.0) employing Ward's linkage method with squared Euclidean distance to group high-frequency acupoints. Additionally, neural distribution analysis was performed to map acupoint-nerve relationships.
Results:
A total of 537 studies were included, comprising 766 distinct acupuncture prescriptions and 149 unique acupoints. Frequency analysis showed that 13 core acupoints accounted for 74.65% of total usage, with Weizhong (BL40, 9.68%), Huantiao (GB30, 8.47%), and Dachangshu (BL25, 8.30%) being most frequently utilized. The Bladder meridian was the most frequently used channel (57.68%). Association rule analysis yielded 449 core rules, identifying the Weizhong (BL40)-Dachangshu (BL25) pair as the strongest combination (support: 42.43%). Cluster analysis delineated six distinct therapeutic strategies, with the core Bladder meridian cluster demonstrating the highest clinical significance. Neural distribution analysis indicated predominant involvement of lumbar nerves (25.72%) and the sciatic nerve complex (22.55%).
Conclusion:
This study presents a comprehensive data mining analysis of acupuncture for LDH. Although constrained by the heterogeneity of included studies and data limitations, the revealed core combinations provide valid quantitative evidence to support the standardization of treatment protocols and inform clinical decision-making.
