Effect of skin surface stimulation on acupoints for phonotraumatic injuries

Abstract

From a recent large-scaled randomized controlled trial, it was found that genuine acupuncture was not significantly different from the placebo, or skin surface stimulation, in improving the vocal functions of dysphonic subjects with benign vocal pathologies. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of skin surface stimulation on acupoints for treating phonotraumatic injuries. Four female subjects were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a placebo group. Subjects in the treatment group received skin surface stimulation on voice-related acupoints Hegu (Li4), Lieque (Lu7), Lianquan (CV23), Renying (St9) and Zhaohai (Ki6), whereas subjects in the placebo group received skin surface stimulation on non-voice related acupoints Tianchuang (SI16), Neiguan (PC6), Zhongzhu (SJ3) and Shangqiu (SP5). All subjects completed 12 sessions within a 6-week timeframe. Outcome measures included aerodynamic measures, the voice range profile, and self-perceived voice-related quality of life by subjects. Limited by a small sample size, significant changes over time were not found in both groups from pre-treatment to post-treatment and 14 days post-treatment. There were no conclusive results regarding whether skin surface stimulation on acupoints is an effective treatment for improving the vocal functions and quality of life in patients with phonotraumatic injuries.