Motor Point Acupuncture and Its Role in Jump Capacity and Physical Performance

Abstract

Background

Motor point–targeted needling approaches may induce short-term neuromuscular and biomechanical changes that could translate into improvements in performance outcomes. Evidence in the sports-performance domain remains heterogeneous, and data on multidimensional functional performance are limited.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of motor point electroacupuncture on jumping capacity and physical performance indicators in young adults.

Methods

This prospective single-group pre–post-intervention study was conducted at a university physiotherapy center. University students aged 18–25 years (n = 30) received 15 sessions of electroacupuncture current applied over lower-limb motor points (quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the 6 min walk test (6MWT), 30 s sit-to-stand (30 s STS), standing long jump (SLJ), and a timed stair test (TST). Pre–post differences were analyzed with paired-sample tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Participants had a mean age of 20.93 ± 1.96 years, and 80% were women. Significant improvements were observed in all primary performance outcomes: 6MWT increased from 490.00 ± 82.38 m to 511.40 ± 80.69 m (Δ = +21.40 m; p < 0.001), 30 s STS increased from 18.83 ± 3.26 to 21.37 ± 3.41 repetitions (Δ = +2.53; p < 0.001), SLJ increased from 151.00 ± 31.74 cm to 164.10 ± 33.42 cm (Δ = +13.10 cm; p < 0.001), and TST decreased from 6.43 ± 0.99 s to 5.55 ± 0.77 s (Δ = −0.87 s; p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly, whereas heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and perceived fatigue did not change significantly.

Conclusion

Motor point electroacupuncture was associated with short-term improvements in functional capacity, lower-extremity endurance, explosive power, and stair performance in young adults. Controlled trials with standardized measurement timing and sham comparators are needed to confirm causality and clarify time-dependent performance responses.