Effect of moxibustion therapy plus cupping on exercise-induced fatigue in athletes

Objective To observe the effect of moxibustion therapy plus cupping on perceived exertion and blood biochemical indicators in athletes with exercise-induced fatigue. Methods A total of 30 gymnasts were randomized into two groups. After intensive physical training, 15 cases in the treatment group were treated by mild moxibustion and cupping, whereas the other 15 cases in the control group took a 30-min break. After that, the Creatine Kinase (CK), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), routine urinalysis, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and changes in Self-report Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) were observed before and after one and periodic exercises. Results After intensive physical training, athletes in the treatment group obtained a faster recovery of elevated CK levels than those in the control group. Analysis on the SCL-90 has shown that athletes in the treatment group had better interpersonal relations than those in the control group. Additionally, RPE analysis has also indicated that athletes in the treatment group had milder fatigue than those in the control group. Conclusion Combined moxibustion with cupping is an effective and easy-to-operate method for exercise-induced fatigue.