Журнал новых физиотерапевтических методов

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Treating Balance Disorders with Ulllt Acupuncture Stimulation: A Further Pilot Study on Normal Subjects Confirms Clinical Applicability of Treatment

Fabio Scoppa, Michele Gallamini and Gabriele Belloni

In previous articles it has been verified that balance parameters collected in quiet upright stancetests can be modified by stimulation of peripheral acupuncture points with a novel type of Ultra-Low-Level-Laser device. This manuscript describes a further test in the form of a pilot study in anticipation of a more comprehensive clinical trial. In the study both the possibility of identifying balance deficits of proprioceptive origin from the Romberg Test on a force platform have been verified, as well as the beneficial effect obtained by the stimulation of 8 acupuncture points with the above-cited novel laser device. Our test confirms the effectiveness of this treatment, which is painless, devoid of any major contraindication, and can be performed easily and quickly even by physiotherapists that are not specifically familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The method, which presents practically no contraindications, could be massively applied to prevent the Risk-Of-Fall originated by proprioceptive deficit thus achieving significant socio-sanitary benefits through a quick, painless and non-invasive treatment. The results of this pilot study will be of help in designing an appropriate Clinical Trial.