JAM掲載論文検索
Japanese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Online)
JAM 2017;Vol.13:1-8
Validity of the Meridian test as an effective assessment tool for evaluating the physical condition of university rugby players
Okuma Yoshihiro 1, 2, 3), Waki Hideaki1), Yoshida Naruto1), Miyazaki Shogo1),
Hisajima Tatsuya1), Takahashi Hidenori1), Miyakawa Shumpei2), Mukaino Yoshito4)
1) Faculty of Health Care, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Teikyo Heisei University
2) Division of Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences,
University of Tsukuba
3) TOYOTA VERBLITZ, Rugby team
4) Faculty of Sports and Health Science, Fukuoka University
Abstract
[Objective] This study aimed to validate the efficacy of the Meridian test (M-Test) for use as an assessment tool for evaluating physical condition. In this study, factors related to conditioning were evaluated in university rugby players during a training camp.
[Materials and Methods] Ten rugby players were recruited in the study and underwent conditioning evaluation at a training camp. The following variables were assessed: secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scores, morning heart rates, %ΔHR30 (the rate of decrease in heart rate for 30 s after exercise), and scores for the M-Test, which evaluates motion-induced pain and identifies the affected meridian, enabling the selection of an appropriate acupuncture point for pain reduction based on the concept of meridians. POMS scores and sIgA levels were measured twice, on the first and final days of the training camp. Morning heart rate, %ΔHR30, and M-Test results were all measured each day of the training camp.
[Results] POMS fatigue scores and total M-Test scores were significantly higher and sIgA levels and %ΔHR30 sig-nificantly lower on the final day relative to those on the first day, indicating a worsening in physical condition. Total M-Test scores correlated significantly with POMS fatigue scores (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), sIgA level (r = -0.38, p < 0.05), and %ΔHR30 (r = −0.27, p < 0.05).
[Conclusion] The M-Test may be useful for assessing the physical condition of university rugby football players during a training camp.