Analysis of TCM Pulse Graph Characteristics in Athletes with Eczema of Varying Severity and Treatment Response: Implications for Guiding Disease Treatment and Prognosis

Abstract

Objective: To explore the characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sphygmogram in athletes with eczema of varying severity and treatment responses, and to assess its implications for guiding disease treatment and prognosis.

Methods: This study analyzed ninety athletes diagnosed with eczema at our sports medicine and dermatology clinic from July 2020 to July 2022. Eczema severity was assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), categorizing it into mild (0-30, n=35), moderate (31-60, n=29), and severe (61-90, n=26). Additionally, 30 healthy athletes were selected as controls. TCM pulse graphs were recorded using a specialized pulse collection system. Athletes with eczema were treated with Chinese medicine, and treatment efficacy was evaluated. Pulse graph parameters of responsive and non-responsive athletes were compared to delineate characteristic patterns associated with different treatment outcomes.

Results: Significant differences were observed in the main wave height, tidal wave height, descending isthmus height, and repulse wave height between the eczema and control groups (P<0.05). Pulse wave heights h1 and h4 increased with the severity of eczema, whereas h3 and h5 decreased (P<0.05). The tension coefficient (h3/h1), resistance coefficient (h4/h1), and elasticity coefficient (h5/h1) varied significantly across severity levels, with the severe group showing the lowest tension and elasticity but highest resistance coefficients. Treatment was effective in 72 out of 90 athletes, giving a therapeutic efficiency of 80.00%. Effective treatment corresponded with higher main wave height (H1), descending isthmus height (H4), and repulse wave height (H5), and lower tidal wave height (H3) compared to ineffective treatments (P<0.05). Furthermore, ascending branch coefficient, tension coefficient, and elasticity coefficient were significantly higher, while resistance coefficient was lower in the effective treatment group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: TCM pulse graph analysis reveals distinct variations between eczema-afflicted athletes and healthy controls and among athletes with different severities and responses to treatment. These findings provide an objective basis for using TCM pulse diagnostics to enhance the management of chronic eczema in athletes, contributing to more targeted treatments and better prognostic assessments.