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Abstract

[Objective] This study aimed to conduct a survey among American football players regarding the adverse events associated with acupuncture in athletes.
[Methods] The participants of this study included 73 American football players (29.3±9.6 years old). A
questionnaire survey of adverse events related to acupuncture was conducted in 20XX（February to July, August to December) among athletes who had received acupuncture owing to sports injuries. The study period was one year, and a Google survey form was used to conduct the survey at the end of the season. The players who agreed to participate in the study received the survey questions online, and the responses were obtained anonymously.
The players were asked about the type of adverse events and whether it affected their physical performance. The acupuncture records, method of acupuncture, and any adverse events identified immediately after acupuncture were also recorded.
[Results] A total of 39 players underwent acupuncture during the study period. Among them, 33 responded (84.0%). A total of 117 acupuncture treatments were performed during one season. Thereafter, the number of valid responses were analyzed. No adverse events consequent to acupuncture were reported by 60.6% (n=20) of the respondents. However, 39.3% (n=13) of the players reported adverse events. The most common adverse event was skin itching in 18.2% of players (n=6). This was followed by muscle weakness in 6.1% (n=2), needle pain after removal of needles in 6.1% (n=2), bleeding in 6.1% (n=2), and anemia in 3.0% (n=1). Only one player (3.0%) reported a negative effect on physical performance. A therapist-confirmed adverse event, bleeding, was reported in case of 3.4% (n=4) of the 117 treatments.
[Discussion and Conclusion] Most adverse events of acupuncture were minor, and there were no reports of serious adverse events that warranted medical treatment. According to the acupuncture records, 117 acupuncture procedures were performed throughout the season, and bleeding was confirmed in four cases (3.4%). According to the results of the questionnaire survey and treatment record analysis, athletes may be aware of adverse events that the practitioners cannot confirm.