Impact of the Acupuncture on Performance, and Physiological Markers of Athletes: A Crossover Control Trial

Abstract

Background: In recent years, interest has grown in complementary therapies to support athletic performance and recovery, with acupuncture showing potential to influence physiological responses during high-intensity exercise. Traditionally applied for pain management and stress reduction, acupuncture’s effects on exercise-related factors, such as perceived exertion, lactate levels, and heart rate, remain less examined. This study explores the immediate impact of acupuncture on physical performance and perceived exertion in amateur athletes, aiming to provide initial insights into its possible role as a supportive tool in sports training contexts. Aims: To determine the acute effects of acupuncture on physical performance and perceived exertion in amateur athletes. Methodology: A crossover and quantitative study was proposed. The sample was acquired at Estácio de Sá University, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, between April and May 2020. Fifteen competitive males engaged in HIIT (31.61 ± 7.02 years old; heart rate reserve: 59.71 ± 4.10; lactate: 3.31 ± 0.63 mM/DL) were subjected to two exercise sessions. Both sessions were performed at an intensity of 85-95% of maximum heart rate. Acupuncture points used: ST36, LI4, LI11, LR3. Lactate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and perceived exertion were assessed immediately after the exercise challenge, with or without acupuncture pre-conditioning. The Student’s t-test and Shapiro-Wilk test were applied for statistical analysis, with Pearson correlation tests conducted. A significance level of 5% was used. Results: A significant reduction in perceived exertion was observed after acupuncture (PES1: 19.4 ± 1.14; PES2: 16.8 ± 0.84; p = 0.001). Acupuncture also led to higher lactate accumulation and heart rate during the session. Conclusion: Acupuncture improved lactate clearance and reduced perceived exertion, suggesting it may be a useful intervention to enhance athletic performance. Limitations include the small sample size and the absence of direct VO2 max measurement.