The immediate effects of acupuncture on the kickboxer postural balance : an exploratory randomised trial

Improving postural balance in kickboxers could enhance fighting performance and help to avoid injuries. To the best of our knowledge, there are no scientific data available on whether acupuncture could enhance balance and coordination in sportsmen. As stimulation of acupoint S34 could enhance gait and jumping power in athletes, we were interested whether it could also play a positive role in enhancing postural balance in kickboxers, after maximum exercise. We developed an experimental, randomized single controlled study design and checked feasibility in a preliminary group of 10 Kickboxers. The individuals (n=10) were randomized in two groups: Experimental group and (EG, n=5) and Control Group (CG, n=5). After the written consent, 10 healthy athletes with basic technical knowledge of the techniques to be used (white belt level) and with a steadily trained kickboxing for at least 6 month prior to the test, were included. Athletes with relevant lesions, consumption of performance enhancing supplements in the week prior to the test, were excluded. After the evaluation of player postural balance (platforms Bertec FP4060-15-2000) and the orthostatic position (12 Qualisys oqus cameras), as a baseline (T0) phase, all athletes performed a program of maximum effort during 60 seconds. Then the individuals of the EG received acupuncture treatment by stimulation of S34 point, with leopard spot technique while individuals of CG did not. After 2 minutes all the individuals were re-evaluated. The main parameter was postural balance. There was a marginally significant results on the postural balance on CG (p= 0,068) into the area, distance and CoP migration velocity. On CG the results were always higher than in EG. Being these values inversely proportional in all situations there was loss of postural balance. Second parameter evaluated was workout per week: the number of workouts per week has a high negative correlation (r = -0.801, p <0.01).The increase of the number of workouts per week is significantly associated with decreased in area of the center of pressure, which results in gain of postural balance. Curiously, we can conclude that acupuncture on S34 point was positive on the velocity and acceleration of player movements in similar work, while in the present work it is not effective for postural balance. So, further studies should be conducted with a major sample, and analysis of possible other relevant parameters.