The aim of our randomized control study was to examine the impact of multiple electrostimulation sessions of acupuncture points on the motor skills of recreational athletes. The study included 42 recreational male and female athletes, who were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 21). The experimental group received electrostimulation on acupuncture points ST-36, SP-6, and REN-6, while the control group received electrostimulation on non-acupuncture points. Participants underwent various tests: static hold in chin-up position, 20-meter sprint, 3 RM (repetition maximum) lunges, single leg long jump, and V-sit and reach flexibility test. The tests were carried out before the start of the therapies and after ten sessions of electrostimulation of the points. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25 software (SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). The data analysis showed that the test results improved mostly in both groups, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention with acupuncture and non-acupuncture point stimulation. In most cases, no significant differences were observed between acupuncture and non-acupuncture point stimulation (p > 0.05). The exception was a statistically significant improvement in explosive power during the left-leg long jump in the experimental group (p = 0.034).
The results of the study indicate that the intervention with acupuncture and non-acupuncture point stimulation was successful in improving the motor abilities of recreational athletes. Although a statistically significant improvement in explosive power during the left-leg long jump was observed in the experimental group, no broader positive impact of acupuncture point electrostimulation compared to non-acupuncture points on other motor abilities was noticed. The study outcome highlights the need for further research to explore and clarify the mechanisms behind point stimulation.
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