Effects of acupuncture on functional muscle symmetry of the rectus femoris in recreational male soccer players

Bilateral asymmetry in muscle contractile properties is a risk factor for injuries and impairment to athletic performance. Many methods currently used to alleviate bilateral asymmetry have their limitations. This study explored acupuncture as a control for bilateral asymmetry. We investigated the effects of acupuncture on symmetry of muscle contractile properties of the rectus femoris through tensiomyography (TMG) using the TMG100 System. Muscle parameters investigated are maximal radial displacement (Dm) and time of contraction (Tc). A countermovement jump (CMJ) test assessed changes in functional performance. 20 male recreational soccer players underwent the experimental testing which involved a pre-test, intervention and post-test. TMG measurements of the rectus femoris of both legs and a CMJ test were conducted before and after the intervention. Symmetry indexes (SI) for Dm and Tc were calculated. For the intervention, acupuncture was performed on the non-dominant leg (identified through TMG) at the Kuangu, Ashi and Futu acupoints for 20 minutes. Dependent t-tests assessed differences between pre- and post-tests for CMJ, Dm and Tc of both dominant and non-dominant legs, and symmetries of both Dm and Tc. Acupuncture did not produce significant effects in almost all the parameters. The only significant difference was found in Dm of the dominant (non-treated) leg which increased after treatment [t(19) = 2.40, p = 0.027]. This suggests that acupuncture may have non-local effects on muscle contractile properties. A single acupuncture session might not be sufficient to cause changes in muscle contractile properties and alleviate bilateral asymmetry.Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management