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. 2024 Apr 9;19(4):e0301673.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301673. eCollection 2024.

Moxibustion for declined cardiorespiratory fitness of apparently healthy older adults: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Zheng Sun  1 , Zhihong Xu  2 , Kuang Yu  1 , Haitian Sun  1 , Yiren Lin  2 , Zilong Zhu  1 , Yimin Zhu  3 , Jianbin Zhang  1
Affiliations

Moxibustion for declined cardiorespiratory fitness of apparently healthy older adults: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Zheng Sun et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Aging and age-related declines lead to varying degrees of decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in apparently healthy older adults. Exercise training, the primary approach for enhancing CRF, encounters several constraints when used with elderly individuals. Existing evidence implies that moxibustion might enhance the CRF of older adults. However, clinical research in this area still needs to be improved.

Methods: This study will employ a randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial design involving 126 eligible participants. These participants will be stratified and randomly assigned to one moxibustion group, one sham moxibustion group, and one blank control group. Acupoints of bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (CV8), and Guanyuan (CV4) are selected for both real and sham moxibustion groups. The treatment will last 60 min per session, 5 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The blank control group will not receive any intervention for CRF improvement. Primary outcomes will be the mean change in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), and serum central carbon metabolites (CCB) from the baseline to observation points. Secondary outcome measures involve the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and the Qi and Blood Status Questionnaire (QBSQ). Outcome assessments will be conducted at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 as part of the follow-up. Adverse events will be assessed at each visit.

Discussion: This trial can potentially ascertain moxibustion's effectiveness and safety in enhancing CRF among apparently healthy older adults.

Trail registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300070303. Registered on April 08, 2023.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Schedule for treatment and outcome assessments.
VO2peak, Peak oxygen uptake; AT, Anaerobic threshold; 6MWD, Six-minute walk distance; SF-36, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; QBSQ, TCM Qi and Blood Status Questionnaire.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Flow chart of study design.
Fig 3
Fig 3. The stratified randomization process.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Acupoints were applied in the trial.
R, right side; L, left side. (Fig 4 was taken by the author. The individual in the figure has granted permission in paper publication under CC BY license).
Fig 5
Fig 5. Ignition-type moxibustion device.
a, the base of the device; b, the body of the device; c, moxa stick; d, the assembly of a, b, and c; e, bottom view of sham moxibustion device base; f, bottom view of real moxibustion device view. (Fig 5 was created by the author using Adobe Illustrator 2023 based on the picture of the moxibustion device).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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