EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL THERAPY ON ACUTE LUMBAR SPRAIN RECOVERY: ENHANCEMENTS IN LUMBAR MOTOR FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at the Houxi point combined with the modified Taoren Duzhong decoction for treating acute lumbar sprain in athletes and its impact on lumbar spine motor function and quality of life. Methods: Sixty athletic patients with acute lumbar sprain were enrolled in this comparative study. Thirty athletic patients treated from January 2021 to December 2021 served as the control group and received conventional Western medical treatment. Another thirty athletic patients treated from January 2022 to June 2022 formed the study group and received both the standard treatment and additional interventions including acupuncture at the Houxi point and the modified Taoren Duzhong decoction. The outcomes assessed included motor control efficacy, lumbar pain, swelling, daily activity impairment, and depression, using standardized tools such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ). Results: Motor control effectiveness was significantly higher in the study group (90.00%) compared to the control group (73.33%; P < 0.05). Post-treatment assessments showed that the study group experienced notably lower scores in low back pain, swelling, and daily activity impairment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the ODI and RMQ scores indicated a significant improvement in the quality of life and reduction in depression symptoms in the study group compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of acupuncture at the Houxi point with the modified Taoren Duzhong decoction significantly enhances the treatment of acute lumbar sprain in athletes. This therapeutic approach not only improves clinical symptoms and motor function but also positively impacts the overall quality of life. The findings suggest that this integrative treatment strategy is beneficial and may be considered a viable addition to conventional treatments for athlete care in sports medicine settings.