Background: Cardio-renal metabolic syndrome (CRMS) is a vicious cycle of cardiac, renal, and metabolic disease, representing a high-risk for atherosclerosis. Laser acupuncture modulates vascular inflammation and improves endothelial function via low-level laser therapy (LLLT, \<500mW) at acupoints or musculoskeletal pain sites. Few studies have focused on CRMS populations. This study evaluates laser acupuncture effects on arterial stiffness in CRMS.
Purpose: To assess the effects of improvement of laser acupuncture in patients with CRMS, and to evaluate its feasibility as supportive therapy.
Methods: A single-group pre-post design is used. Participants are patients with CRMS receiving laser acupuncture at a Chinese medicine clinic in Taiwan. CRMS is interrelated by cardiac, renal, and metabolic disease. Inclusion criteria require diagnosis in ≥2 of 3 systems (cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic; n = 35). Laser acupuncture will be applied to bilateral BL40 for 12 weeks (1-3 sessions/week, 60mins/session). Pulse wave velocity(PWV) measured by Omron HBP- 8000 as the primary outcome for arterial stiffness. Paired t-tests and GEE will be used for analysis.
Expected Results: PWV is expected to show significant improvement after intervention.
Who can participate
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age 18 years or older
2. Diagnosed with at least two conditions related to cardio-renal-metabolic syndrome (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or dyslipidemia)
3. Receiving routine laser acupuncture treatment in a clinical setting
4. Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Presence of acute cardiovascular events (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, stroke)
2. Acute kidney injury
3. Presence of medical devices or conditions that contraindicate the use of laser acupuncture at the treatment site (e.g., arteriovenous shunt)
4. Unable to complete the study procedures or follow-up assessments
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