Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Three-Dimensional Finger Motion Tracking during Needling: A Solution for the Kinematic Analysis of Acupuncture Manipulation
Published on: October 28, 2021
Assistive Technologies for Pulse-Based Tele-Practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Two-Phase, Dual-Method
Jia Yin Ruan1,2, Shucheng Chen1, Minru Wu1
1School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, GH506, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong), 852 2766 4151.
Background:
Pulse palpation is essential for accurate traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. However, this tactile-sensory-dependent technique is not feasible in teleconference, leaving traditional Chinese medicine underserved by conventional tele-practice frameworks. To address this, we developed an Assistive Pulse Data Collection (APDC; Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre) device.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate feasibility and to preliminarily examine the Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) agreement on real-person pulses and machine-generated pulses and collect users' feedback.
Methods:
Following World Health Organization guidelines for piloting new medical technologies, a 2-phase, dual-method evaluation was conducted. In the feasibility phase, 10 participants' pulses were recorded using the APDC device. Overall, 5 CMPs evaluated the participants' and machine-generated pulses using a 5-point Likert scale (1="Strongly Disagree" to 5="Strongly Agree"). In the pilot phase, 10 CMPs assessed pulses from 42 participants and refined the regenerated outputs for comparison. Quantitative and qualitative feedback from CMPs and participants was collected.
Results:
CMPs evaluated machine-regenerated pulses across 4 parameters: frequency (mean agreement score 4.1, SD 0.6), rhythm (mean 3.8, SD 0.6), width (mean 2.7, SD 0.9), and force (mean 2.4, SD 1), indicating moderate-to-high agreement for frequency or rhythm but lower consensus for width and force. Following device refinements (eg, adjustable armrest, pressure calibration, and pulse algorithms), the pilot phase CMPs' agreement improved for frequency (mean 4.3, SD 0.7) and rhythm (mean 4, SD 0.8), while width (mean 3, SD 0.9) and force (mean 2.8, SD 0.9) remained suboptimal. CMPs reported enhanced clarity (mean 4.3, SD 1) but persistent inefficiency (mean 2.5, SD 0.5) and neutral satisfaction (mean 2.6, SD 0.5). Participants maintained favorable ratings for comfort (mean 4, SD 0.7), easy to use (mean 3.9, SD 0.8), and high satisfaction (mean 4, SD 0.7).
Conclusions:
The APDC device is feasible and enables CMPs to take remote pulse feature assessment, but further optimization of pulse force and width is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:30Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation