Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (한방재활의학과학회지)

The society of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (한방재활의학과학회)
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Assessment of the Application Status of Transcutaneous/Percutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Scoping Review for Utilization in Korean Medicine and Subsequent Research

경피적 미주 신경 자극술의 근골격계 통증에 대한 적용 현황 파악: 한의학적 활용 및 후속 연구를 위한 Scoping Review

  • Gun Hee Bae (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Bundang Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Jeong Hoon Ahn (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Korean Medicine Hospital of Sangji University) ;
  • Dong Jin Jang (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Bundang Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Jeong Hee Noh (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Bundang Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Jae Kwon Shin (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Bundang Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Eun Seok Jin (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Bundang Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Sun Kyu Yeom (Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, Cheongju Phil Hospital of Korean Medicine) ;
  • Seung Ju Oh (Yeongdong Public Health Center)
  • 배건희 (분당자생한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 안정훈 (상지대학교부속 한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 장동진 (분당자생한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 노정희 (분당자생한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 신재권 (분당자생한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 진은석 (분당자생한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 염선규 (청주필한방병원 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 오승주 (영동보건지소)
  • Received : 2023.12.19
  • Accepted : 2024.01.08
  • Published : 2024.01.31
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Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to understand the general research trends, applicated disease, and methodology of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, contemplating its clinical use in traditional Korean medicine and future research directions. Methods A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley Framework Stage and adhering to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews: checklist and explanation. Papers published until October 30, 2023, were investigated across 10 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Studies Information Service System, KMbase, Science ON, Research Information Sharing Service. The search terms used were 'Transcutaneous/Percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation'. Results Since 2021, the application of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for musculoskeletal symptoms has been actively researched, predominantly in Asia (37%), Europe (37%), and North America (21%). All 19 papers were part of clinical studies. Chronic pain was noted that most applied disease, it also was found to potentially aid in acute post-surgical pain relief. Major assessment tools include not only simple pain metrics but also pain perception, vagal nerve tension, quality of life, and inflammatory markers. Most procedures were carried out through the ear, which offers a favorable site for therapeutic stimulation without notable side effects. And parameter analysis, frequencies typically ranged around 25 Hz to 30 Hz, while pulse widths were commonly set at 250 ㎲ or 300 ㎲. Conclusions Transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is easily accessible through acupuncture in Korean medicine. Therefore, if future studies establish parameters and clinical significance, it could be utilized as a therapeutic modality.

Keywords

References

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