쑥뜸치료가 암환자의 심박변이도에 미치는 영향

The Effects of Moxibustion on Heart Rate Variability in Cancer Patients

Objective : The study aims to investigate the effect of moxibustion treatments on autonomic nervous system function of cancer patients through the evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback testing. Materials and Methods : Six cancer patients from inpatient care unit of Dunsan Oriental Hospital, Daejeon University were given three moxibustion treatment sessions every other day over one week period on five Oriental Medicine meridian points CV4, CV6, CV12, KD1, and PC8. HRV biofeedback was conducted before and after each treatment sessions. Three areas of analyses were done from the test conducted; Time Domain Analysis, Frequency Domain Analysis and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) balance analysis. Results : Time Domain Analysis has shown increased Standard Deviation of all Normal R-R Intervals (SDNN), and decreased Mean Heart Rate and Physical Stress Index (PSI) levels, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In Frequency Domain Analysis, series of moxa treatments have increased Total Power (TP), Very Low Frequency Oscillation Power (VLF), High Frequency Oscillation Power (HF), normalized HF values while decreasing Low Frequency Oscillation Power (LF), normalized LF and LF/HF ratio with statistical significance (P<0.05). The values of ANS activity, ANS balance, Stress resistance, Stress index, have also shown significant changes. For cardiac stability stroke volume power (SP) and Blood Vessel Tension (BVT) were followed, which were both increased after treatment. All changes were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion : The results have shown a positive correlation between the moxibustion treatments and autonomic nervous system responses on cancer patients through the HRV biofeedback testing. This study suggests possible application of moxibustion treatments for managing ANS functions of cancer patients, although additional studies with larger population are necessary to confirm the data.