Effects of acupuncture on the gastric motivity in patients with functional dyspepsia

Objective: To observe the effects of the acupuncture on the gastric motivity in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods: Ninety FD patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: the treated group, the control groups, 1 and 2, 30 patients in each group. Patients in the treated group received acupuncture treatment, those in the control group 1 and group 2 orally took Cisapride and Marzulene-s granule respectively. Changes in scores of symptoms, electrogastrographic figure, gastric emptying time estimated by B-ultrasonic examination and plasma level of motilin in the 3 groups before and after treatment were observed.

Results: Symptoms were obviously improved in the treated and control group 1 after treatment, which were better than those in the control group 2 (P < 0.01). Gastro-electric frequency and rhythm in the treated group and control group 1 were improved more significantly than those in before treatment (P < 0.01). Gastric emptying time and plasma motilin improved in the treated group and the control group 1 after treatment, when compared with before treatment, the difference was significant respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Acupuncture could significantly improve the gastric motivity of FD patients.